iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

There are resources that can help you. If you contact a local hospital, they have social workers available to talk to and often times have "emergency funds" that can get you medication. You can also try to contact the Department of Health for your state and ask them to refer you to health care clinic for unemployed people without insurance.

Drug companies work with patients who don't have the means to pay for medications, and have developed this website to help you find "patient assistance programs" for your medications: http://www.pparx.org

There are also several hotlines available if you are extremely depressed and need someone to talk to right away.
National Hopeline Network 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE) http://www.hopeline.com/
National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)

Posted: 2009-09-04 12:40:15

Answer/Reply:

Thank you for your response. You have an intelligent response. Some people should think before they speak. Cause their words are not reassuring, not advisable, and lack facts.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-01 22:06:09

Answer/Reply:

The compliment was for the response from IGuard.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-01 22:09:37

Answer/Reply:

oh dear sweety your a mess, you seriously need to see a professional an soon. I know exactly how you feel I have felt that way when I dont take my effexor xr. sweety you must get insurance and be advised insurance is available to everyone (working an non-working alike). please research i ur community and or call information for guidance. I must advise you that the symptoms get worse when they are not monitored by a a professional and with medication.
good luck dear.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-19 16:09:29

Answer/Reply:

it does affect the ability to have orgasms at times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 20:10:31

Answer/Reply:

I'm a 55 year old post-menopausal female that's been Effexor XR 225 mg for about 4 years. I still have pretty good orgasms, even frequent multis, but they're not quite as intense as in the past. I don't know if that's due to age or the Effexor! I DO have a very patient and loving partner.

55 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-19 16:12:39

Answer/Reply:

Effexor stopped my sex drive and I stopped taking it for about three months. When I started taking it again it made me physically ill. Throwing up and diarhrea within an hour of taking it. I did this five times and I quit taking it. I had been on it for four years.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 23:07:23

Answer/Reply:

My fieancee is on 225 mg of effexor xr and believe me he has no problems where sex is concerned.

32 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-20 20:49:20

Answer/Reply:

I am 29 years old and have been on Effexor 75 mg XR for about 6 years and can't get off it. I tried. Don't get on this medicine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will regret it. I do.



female

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 18:34:56

Answer/Reply:

I was on Effexor...and the side effects were HORRIBLE. I was tired ALL the time, if I forgot to take it for ONE day...I felt like I had the flu. I also got "vertigo" when I stopped taking this. Never thought it might be the drug. My doctor weaned me off of Effexor over a period of 3 - 4 weeks. I now take Lexapro...and LOVE it!

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 14:10:29

Answer/Reply:

omg! you are so right I also experience vertigo when I dont take effexor xr 150mg. Its so horrible. I will speak to my neurologist and thereapist in regards to Lexapro. Thanks for the heads up!!
Im researching for natural medicine to help me with my severe depression. I want to be rid of all these meds.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-19 16:19:17

Answer/Reply:

Why do you try and stop it? Even the government officials that inspect hospital, nursing home and other medical center records agree that anti-depressants are, usually, a life long need. Is it prescribed by your PCP or a Psychiatrist? PCPs are great but when it comes to anti-depressants and other mental health meds, it's usually better to see the specialist. They focus on medications and side effects and doses, etc. I've taken it since 2000 and, if I miss even 2 doses, I can really see the difference!

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-10 23:48:41

Answer/Reply:

I agree with you and your question about stopping.. EFFEXOR IS A TREATMENT, NOT A CURE. So if you stop taking it your depression would probably come back. What you are calling 'withdrawal' is probably the depression making its way back into your consciousness. It is very foolish to stop taking any medication without the prescribing doctor in on it because everyone is different, but I have not heard of withdrawal symptoms, per se. I have been on 450 mgs of Effexor a day for about 3 years (that's 3 150 mgs a day taken together). You can see I had a BIG problem. Effexor was the 4th anti-depressent I had to try before finding something, so there were many months of feeling bad before I felt good again. I am certainly glad I had faith enough to wait. And although, I will really be glad when there is a good generic out there because it is expensive even with good insurance, because they all charge more for brand names. But surely you have heard the old saying "Why change a winning ball game". This means if you find something that works, for heaven's sake, don't change the strategy. You'll just go back the way you were. And yes, this is probably a life long deal. But, and I'll say it again, if you insist on stopping ANY medication, you would be very foolish if you didn't do it under your doctor's care. If for nothing else, the doctor may know of a way to eliviate some of the problems. The same goes for fentanyl, I wear a #100 duragesic patch that I have to change every 48 hours for a terrible undiagnosed chronic pain. How would I know if I went off fentanyl whether it was the pain I was experiencing or the withdrawal symptoms. And a combination of both is too horrible to consider. So these are two medicines that are saving my sanity. Why would I want to go off of either one?

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-20 06:55:20

Answer/Reply:

I have been on effexor for about four years and I can tell when I have missed taking it. It is just a little something extra that helps the other drugs I am on (Klonopin & Zoloft) Yea, I have issues but they are a lot better than when I started out. Once you find a treatment plan that works I would not want to give it up. What got you there in the first place is the last place you want to return to.

57year young female

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 19:42:30

Answer/Reply:

There is now a generic for Effexor but not Effexor XR

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 23:45:33

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor XR is a long acting capsule that contains the active ingredient venlafaxine. There is a generic version available called venlafaxine XR that comes in tablet form and is made by Osmotica Pharma/Upstate Pharmaceuticals. However, this medication is technically not equivalent to Effexor XR and is FDA approved only for the treatment of depression and social anxiety disorder; it is not approved for generalized anxiety disorder or for panic 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 doctor or healthcare provider. Although the venlafaxine XR tablet is approved by the FDA, you may want to call your pharmacies in your area to make sure you can find a pharmacy that stocks this product.

Posted: 2009-08-02 20:04:37

Answer/Reply:

My psychiatrist has told me it's supposed to be coming but there have been a number of delays. I'm waiting for it, too.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-10 23:50:21

Answer/Reply:

Hi!!! I take the generic now.Only because Medicaid stopped paying for the name brand.The name is-VENLAFAXINE.I live in N.Y. so just ask your doctor for the generic.I don't know what it costs though.Hope it all works out for you.Let me know!!!!!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 01:04:07

Answer/Reply:

Please do not be leary of "outside"pharmacies I've used them for 6 Yrs & have not had any problems.The prices can be extremely low for effexor xr.Go to Planet Drugs Direct.com,they are the best & cheapest.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 12:22:21

Answer/Reply:

effexor xr is available in the generic form venlafaxine.

52 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-18 22:05:04

Answer/Reply:

I get my effexor from Canada. I have never had any trouble . Have been using them for 3 years.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-25 23:34:34

Answer/Reply:

I think the generic for Effexor XR comes out in 2010.

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 11:05:36

Answer/Reply:

I live in Wa. state and now take Venlafaxine HCL ER instead of the old Effexor. I currently have no health insurance and Effexor was costing me almost $300 a month. My pharmacist suggested the change for me! The results seem to be the same and now cost $98. I would definitely talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist about this product. Good luck!

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 16:29:00

Answer/Reply:

there is a generic for Effexor but not Effexor XR.....if you take generic, u have to take bigger doses & more often....i got in bad shape trying to go generic

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 21:41:27

Answer/Reply:

You definitely need to be 'weaned' off the effexor. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking it. And unfortunately, yes, it can cause weight gain as one of the side effects.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 23:47:44

Answer/Reply:

I AGREE.I WEANED MYSELF OFF OF IT IN A WEEKS TIME.I DON'T HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM STOPPING EFFEXOR XR.I GAINED WEIGHT WHILE ON IT WHICH IS A PROBLEM FOR ME CAUSE I USE TO BE ANEROXIC.I GOT REALLY DEPRESSED WHEN I STARTED GAINING WEIGHT AND AM HAVING A HARD TIME LOOSING IT.IT ALSO AFFECTED MY RESTLESS LEG SYNDROM.I FEEL ALOT BETTER SINCE I GOT OFF OF IT.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 17:01:23

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor XR should be weaned off slowly and not stopped all at once. Before stopping the medication, you need to make an appointment with your physician and follow a weaning schedule set by your physician. 15% of iGuard patients report weight gain with Effexor XR. Discuss your concerns about weight gain with your physician - he or she can provide advice on the right diet and exercise activities needed to help you lose weight. You may also want to ask for a referral to a weight loss program.

Posted: 2009-08-02 23:24:10

Answer/Reply:

Yes. Weaned off and withdrawals are horrendous and they last a good while.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-11 23:13:43

Answer/Reply:

I don't know your other medicines, but Antidepressants, for me, have always made me gain weight. Besides Effexor XR, in the past I have been on Sinequam (stopped my panic attacks too back in the 70s before Xanax came out), Paxil, and Zoloft. I am also taking Lyrica for severe Fibromyalgia and that also causes weight gain, so I got a 'double whammy.'Before becoming disabled, I weighed 135 and with those and other meds I am on, I now weigh over 200 and I am fighting like crazy to lose weight, Of course, still being on Effexor XPR and the Lyrica, I can't expect much I guess. Many days I don't even eat all day as I don't feel like it. Thousands of skipped calories a week and I lose a pound maybe. If you can do it, walking is great for losing weight. Before my pain "took over" leaving me unable to walk most days, I've had to give that up as much as I enjoyed getting out in the fresh air. If you can get out though, it is easy exercise and will help you lose weight. Best of luck to you!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 13:33:51

Answer/Reply:

I too have severe fibro and you are so right about the weight gain with these drugs. i was nearly 100 lbs less before i got ill than i am now. it doesn't help the depression one bit! i am doing better with the fibro meds but i do miss my life before fibro still.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-09 20:08:48

Answer/Reply:

Always check to see if a medication needs to be weaned. dangerous side effects came occure.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 17:43:46

Answer/Reply:

I LOVE EFFEXOR ER. IT GIVES ME A LITTLE BIT OF ENERGY AND I HAVE ACTUALLY LOST WEIGHT ON IT. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAVE HAD NAUSEA CAUSED FROM THE EFFEXOR? THAT SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY SIDE EFFECT I CAN'T DEAL WITH.

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 23:21:02

Answer/Reply:

Try changing the time of day you take it. I would get tired after taking it also, now I just take it before bed. I also take 2 regular tylenol to help my body relax as I sleep. but I take calcium plus D also .

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-06 08:51:00

Answer/Reply:

I have taken Effexor XR for six years now. Because of my income, I get it on Patient Assistance. Basically, the drug company gives it to me. I recommend talking to your prescriber about the possibility of getting your Effexor on the Patient Assistance Program. :)

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-31 12:35:33

Answer/Reply:

I am interested in what you mean Zings. Can you describe exactly what you mean and how they happen. I take the drug also, I take 225mg. I have some high pitch sounds when i move my eyes and focus at a distance. I started them really bad about 4 years ago when i went to Colorodo in the high altitude and they have been driving me crazy. NO one seems to be able to stop them. That is why they put me on Effexor and other drugs to dampen them. Please let me know. this is driving me crazy.


57 year old male

58 year old Male

Posted: 2009-08-17 10:33:42

Answer/Reply:

call the pharmical company and fill out the paper work and try and get it for free I do and haven't paid for it in yrs. This is the only way I can afford it. good luck its not hard to do

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 14:00:47

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Side effects of Effexor XR may take up to 4 weeks or more to go completely away and it may also take up to 4 to 6 weeks for you to feel the positive effects of the medication. There is a moderate interaction between Effexor XR and trazodone - both of these drugs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Too much serotonin in the brain can cause a very rare condition called serotonin syndrome. Signs of serotonin syndrome include 1) mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, and hallucinations; 2) cardiovascular symptoms such as rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, shivering, and high/low blood pressure; 3) nerve and muscle abnormalities such as muscle spasms or twitching, tremor, rigidity, and loss of coordination; and 4) gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It sounds like some of your symptoms are similar to symptoms of serotonin syndrome, but your symptoms may also be general side effects of the medications. Since serotonin syndrome is a very rare condition, your doctor may think you are experiencing general side effects of the medications. You may want to ask your doctor to prescribe a lower dose of one or both of the medications - starting at lower doses and slowly increasing the dose to the desired goal may help to lessen the negative side effects. Also, please continue to monitor your side effects - if your symptoms increase in intensity or do not go away or if you develop additional symptoms, please follow up with your physician as soon as possible to discuss your concerns.

Posted: 2009-07-04 21:19:21

Answer/Reply:

Having experienced serotonin syndrome from taking this combination, I can say without question GET TO YOUR DOCTOR FOR EVALUATION NOW. The longer you take them together, the worse the condition can become. Many doctors are unfamiliar with this side effect, so you may need to bring it to his/her attention.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-23 16:07:03

Answer/Reply:

hi there! i have been through the whole gamet of side effects regarding venlafaxine from begining, adjustment and now stabalisation (2 yrs later) and the only left over side effect i have is night sweats. just as an addit comment i dont understand peoples posts about problems when they miss a dose. i have missd doses before but never experienced any of these withdrawl effects - the effects i did have were more related to my own anxiety about missing a dose from posted comments on here regarding problems

39 year old Male

Posted: 2009-11-19 04:12:34

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Venlafaxine and its active metabolite are both excreted into breast milk. Preliminary data show that the total dose of these agents ingested by the breast-feeding baby can be 9-10% of the mother's dose. Venlafaxine will also be detectable in the infant's blood stream. Infants who are exposed to venlafaxine need to be closely monitored for adverse effects from the medication.

Posted: 2009-06-22 12:12:23

Answer/Reply:

I too was a nursing mother with emotional and depression problems. I refused to take meds, there were none available to nursing mothers or I would have. I just didnt want to stop nursing. Just from my perspective, I look back and have fond memories of the nursing and I do believe it had great benefits to my daughter who is now 14. But, there is a part of me who would have loved to enjoy her being a baby more. I was so depressed, I missed out! I can almost say I wish I would have gotten on medication and quit nursing. But, nursing was a passion for me. I am also on effexor and it has been very helpful to me for 7 years. My plea to you, please dont let guilt play a factor, get the help you need.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-13 01:40:40

Answer/Reply:

Please, please research Borderline Personality Disorder. I have this disorder and you sound like you fit all of the symptomology. I am currently taking a combination of Zoloft and Effexor daily, but still am having difficulty. Over the 37 years that I have battled the depression, severe anxiety, PTSD and whatever else that severe trauma produces, I have taken more meds than I can even list. In my teens, I was a cutter and burner, but it then progressed into many, many serious suicide attempts. I just recently discovered that I am most likely BPD and the only known effective treatment for it at this time is a therapy called DBT. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. I discussed this finding with my doctor and she agreed that I most likely do have this disorder and is arranging the DBT therapy for me. She explained that current meds are not really that effective for this disorder. It is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental in origin. Many of you posting to this sight should research Borderline Personality Disorder. By the way, I am 50 years old and still hoping to find a way to live in this world with some sense of peace and happiness. Don't give up!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 07:51:46

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Yes, there is a boxed warning for Effexor and other antidepressants related to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents with depression. However, this increased risk is low and for most patients the benefits of antidepressants like Effexor will far outweigh this risk. The warning is meant to inform you about the importance of speaking with your doctor right away if you notice a worsening in your mood or behavior. If possible, you may want to ask a close friend or family member to help you watch for possible changes in your mood or behavior. . Treating depression can be challenging and sometimes requires adjustments of your medication. If you feel Effexor is not helping your symptoms or you feel worse please follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.

Posted: 2009-06-11 22:05:32

Answer/Reply:

http://cdn-www.answerbag.com/images/answers/508396/1855962/tmb_effexor.jpg
copy and past the link and it will show u pictures of efexer

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 14:58:13

Answer/Reply:

yeah, i can relate! i havent been taken off of effexor yet but when i ran out a while back it was awful! i thought it was just my imagination about the withdrawl symptoms. and oh my goodness i have no sex drive and its like running for days without rest trying to have an orgasm. my partner was thinking that there was much more wrong with me.



female age 36, tn

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-18 21:04:47

Answer/Reply:

Yes, I take Effexor and my sex drive went away!! It is really the only negative thing I have to say. I suffer from severe panic attacks and depression and migraine headaches. Effexor has taken care of all those horrible things, but like I said sex drive went away as well. If anyone has any suggestions on help with that other than to quit taking Effexor I would love to hear about it. I will not ever stop taking the Effexor as I have tried that before and the quality of my life was not worth living when I was not taking the Effexor. It really works great!!

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 18:06:40

Answer/Reply:

Yes I can certainly relate to both your comments. If I run out and miss a couple of days or forget to take it I feel like I am dying. They say it isn't addictive but why do you have withdrawal symptoms. My sex drive also has been altered. Your comment about the orgasm is so true. Plus the weight gain. I am trying to lose weight and have a lap band but all I can do is think about eating. My niece warned me about this medication and I wish I had listened to her. Has anyone been able to get off this medication and feel normal after doing so?

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-05 12:54:48

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

While Effexor is not addicting, it does affect the balance of chemicals in your brain. When you miss a dose or two, your brain is suddenly trying to compensate for that balance which can produce the "withdrawal" side effects associated with stopping the medication. For this reason, it is important to take the Effexor every day.

If you decide you no longer want to take the Effexor, make an appointment with your physician to set up a schedule to wean yourself off the medication. To avoid the "withdrawal" side effects of stopping the medication, the dose must be slowly reduced over time under the supervision of a physician. Most patients who stop taking Effexor will see an improvement of the side effects that developed while on the medication.

Posted: 2009-07-06 13:46:45

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Less than 1% of iGuard members reports sexual problems with Effexor. Overall, 2% of patients report impotence with Effexor as documented in the product labeling.

Effexor affects the balance of chemicals in your brain. When you stop taking the medication suddenly, your brain tries to fix the balance of these chemicals which can cause some of the withdrawal symptoms that you have experienced. It is important to not stop taking Effexor suddenly for this reason. If you run out of medication, it is very important for you to work with your doctor and your pharmacist to come up with a solution for you to continue to take Effexor at your regular dose or develop a new dosing schedule so you can avoid the withdrawal side effects. If you do happen to experience withdrawal side effects that do not go away or increase in intensity, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Posted: 2009-07-06 00:27:00

Answer/Reply:

Sex used to be an issue only because of vaginal dryness. I now use lubrication and sex is fantastic!

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 10:51:07

Answer/Reply:

I have been on effexor for probably 5 years now and couldn't function without it in my line of business. I am a Real Estate Broker and the stress of real estate and managing 10 agents was keeping me in turmoil all the time. I take the maximum dosage when I'm in very stressful situations then cut it in half when things are calmer. I am 60 yrs old and I love it.
I do have a very low libido though but at my age I'd rather be calm so I will continue to take Effexor.

61 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 17:09:28

Answer/Reply:

You're not alone. I started taking Effexor & had NO interest in sex. It was a good thing that I lived alone with my cat! I tried a couple of the "popular" meds at the time--PAXIL, ZOLOFT, &
found that Effexor was the lesser of 3 evils. I did not have interest in sex for about 4 years but at least I wasn't bursting into tears at work everyday! I'm weening myself off of it right now. I think that the one thing I miss most is that I can't shed a tear anymore & my boyfriend of 2 yrs cries during commercials! I'm going to give it 1 more try & hope I don't feel suicidal or homicidal like the first time. Keep me posted on your progress

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 01:44:53

Answer/Reply:

I stopped taking effexor xr 75mg tablets a couple months ago. I do recall some nasty headaches and withdrawls to an extent, however, i spoke with a naturopath when i went off it, and they recommended st. john's wort. I purchased the St. John's Wort with Passion Flower and took about 600mg a day. I don't have near as many side effects with the St. John's Wort that I had with the Effexor, consult your own doctor or naturopath before you try this, but it is a much milder alternative to the Effexor. I do find keeping a routine and high amounts of protein helps as well.

33 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-27 16:25:13

Answer/Reply:

If I am even late taking my effexor I cant function. I get very dizzy, and my feet tingle.I also get very irritable.

I have no problem with my sex drive. I am having a hard time loosing weight, though.

30 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-03 19:14:23

Answer/Reply:

sorry you had a bad experience with effexor, I have been on it this time about 5 years I was on it once before and just cut back and weaned myself off it with no side effects. As for the sex...at 61 it's better than ever so I guess the effexor hasn't hurt that either.Guess it reacts differently in people.

61 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-03 21:10:43

Answer/Reply:

wow!I was just about to talk to my doctor about switching to new medicine,effexor helps with my anxiety and OCD but kills my sexdrive. I hate it! It also makes my appetite for sweets and carbs crazy!It does work goo like I said with the anxiety but is there anything better to deal with the other stuff! i pray that you are doing better with your anxiety attacks.

28 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-08 09:01:26

Answer/Reply:

I too am taking effexor, have tried quite a few other medications for depression and on all of them have had virtually no sex drive. Does anyone know of any depression medication that doesn't do that?

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 15:59:26

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Less than 1% of iGuard members taking Effexor report sexual problems while taking Effexor. However, patients respond differently to each medication. Sometimes the side effects go away after taking the medication for a while, but they do not go away for everyone. Wellbutrin is another antidepressant and has been shown to cause fewer sexual problems when compared with other antidepressants. Make an appointment with your doctor to see if switching if appropriate for you. Please do not adjust your medications without first talking with your doctor - suddenly changing or stopping an antidepressant may lead to serious problems.

Posted: 2009-06-14 11:04:33

Answer/Reply:

I quit taking effexor cold turkey and did cry very easily for a few days but is better now I do think the med is a great one though. It kept me from snapping at my kids alot. It just took the edge off.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-10 10:36:39

Answer/Reply:

I am currently taking effexor and would like to get off of it. How long did it take you to wean off of the it? Was it the one week? Are you still having affects from going off of it? I go one day without it and I feel like I am loosing my mind. As with you, I too have not had any sex drive what so ever and would love to have that feeling again. Did you gain weight when you were on the effexor? I was a size eight when I started taking it and within a two month period I literally doubled in size and have not been able to lose it. It's actually making me depressed to see myself in the mirror.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-10 12:56:50

Answer/Reply:

why did you want to come off of effexor? are you taking something else? Have your panic attacks gone away, this is why I take effexor! Honey your only 28, you should always want sex. Comment again when your about 30 years later! I wonder if i am taking the wrong med. I also have adult attention disorder. I think I need Aderrol. and maybe not effexor! Good luck!

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-10 23:14:25

Answer/Reply:

Same here. I am still on the Effexor but cannot function without it. Still my sex drive is gone and has been since I have been on it. It doesn't matter which drug I am on though, they all do that.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-11 17:42:58

Answer/Reply:

I'm on Effexor XR and it helps me. I'm not depressed like I use to be.

43 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-18 23:15:00

Answer/Reply:

I'm on Effexor XR and it helps me, But the best drug for depression and anxiety is marijuana. If I get stressed out I smoke myself a bowl and I feel fine.

43 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-18 23:23:12

Answer/Reply:

I have gained 20-25 pounds while taking Effexor. My blood pressure has become an issue also. I'm currently trying to wean myself off but it is very difficult. Dizziness, stomach upset, skin tingling with "brain fuzzies". Started this medication to combat menopause symptoms and it did help with night sweats and mood swings. Withdrawl is much worse than menopause EVER was.

49 year old female

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-17 23:03:11

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Effexor for 7 years now for depression. I want to stop taking this drug because now I am taking other medications and I am finding out that a couple of them should not be taken with Effexor. How long does it take to get off off of Effexor? How long does it take for the withdrawls to go away? Desperately wanting to know. TY!
49 year ol female

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 11:51:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Per the manufacturer's guidelines, symptoms associated with stopping Effexor have been reported. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than stopping immediately is highly recommended whenever possible and should be managed under the care of your doctor. If your symptoms worsen as the dose is reduced down then readjustment under a doctor's care will need to happen.

Tapering of Effexor will need to be directed by your doctor and will be specific to you based on your overall health and any other medications or conditions. It may take several weeks to taper off the Effexor, depending on how many milligrams you take each day. Please consult your physician to work out a plan.

Posted: 2009-05-25 23:03:02

Answer/Reply:

This is all correct. Every individual will respond differently to tapering of Effexor. Your situation is similar to mine, I have been on Effexor for 5 years and have tried to wean off (with dr's advice) several times. One time I ended up in the hospital for 3 days because I couldn't stand the withdrawal symptoms they were so bad. I am currently trying again, at an extremely slow pace, i.e. I am at half my normal dosage right now, but it took me 6.5 months to get there. I think it's harder to taper off, the smaller your dosage becomes. I also think while its mostly individual chemistry differences, a significant part is related to emotional strength/pain tolerance. I want to get off of it because I know that when I forget a single dose I get physically sick, and I do not want to be dependent on something like that. I was also put on medications that interact with Effexor, yet I can not increase them in order to manage my depression until I get the Effexor out of my system. If anyone else knows the best way to get through tapering off the last 75mg, I've heard about assisting with Lexapro or St. Johns Wort-- let me know. Thank you.

20 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-07 16:45:30

Answer/Reply:

amen sister...the withdrawals on the effexor can be fatal too !! I ended up n the hospital after 4 days of insomnia with dehydration and reduced reflexes,cold sweats and was getting as mean as a junkyard dog !! I had forgotten to get them refilled and it was at the holiday season and b/f the holidays were over I was in the ER. I am weaning off these things now. I don't want a drug that will effect me in this way. I don't feel any different now then I did when I was taking a full dose every day !!

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 16:26:33

Answer/Reply:

stop

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-27 17:09:51

Answer/Reply:

I can't tell my Effexor XR side effects from being perimenipausal! My husband is a little scared of me these days. LOL Everytime I voice my concerns, my doctor either ups my Effexor or my Depakote. I have finally got up the nerve to ask my Endochronologist about it and he set me up for a second opinion for a med check. I'll post again when I know more..

46 year old female

46 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-31 23:32:41

Answer/Reply:

I have gained a lot of weight, but I'm not sure if it's the Effexor (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride) or a combination of that and another drug that I'm on. My weight has fluctuated so much since I started taking it that it's hard to know exactly what's causing it, and the fact that I'm going through menopause as well doesn't help me any. Sorry I can't be more definite!

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-18 10:23:28

Answer/Reply:

I had no problems with weigh gain or loss.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 14:31:21

Answer/Reply:

I have gained about 25lbs.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-05 21:12:49

Answer/Reply:

You can tend to gain weight on this drug, but only because you feel so much better that you eat more. The drug itself does not cause you to gain anything whatsoever!! I did gain some weight when I started this med and I talked to my doctor about it and utimately I went to Jenny Craig to get back on track with my eating. Effexor is the greatest drug ever. I would not ever stop taking it as I have tried that before and the quality of my life went in the toilet without taking the Effexor. I weighed in the 120's then when I got on the Effexor I went into the 140's almost 150. I never stopped taking the Effexor but did get my eating back under control and now I am 132 lbs on my way back to the 120's.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 18:23:43

Answer/Reply:

I've taken Effexor for at least 10 yrs.....I didn't have any weight gain, no side effects at all.....

I'm bipolar, and this medicine has done wonders for me......No way would I go off it...



45 yr. old female
posted 2009-06-01

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-01 15:45:47

Answer/Reply:

I take Effexor for my addhd and it ok. It has made me a gain but i am trying to lose it. My boyfriend an family can till when I forget to take it.

32 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-02 17:15:20

Answer/Reply:

I have been told and have experienced weight LOSS on Effexor XR.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 10:49:14

Answer/Reply:

I have gained weight which I cannot lose. I do not want to eat and cannot eat any meat or poultry without getting sick, so it isn't over eating. I cannot stop taking Effexor (150 mg. in AM and 225 mg. in PM) because I get to ill try to stop it. There is some condition that creates a physical need for it and you are stuck on it for good once you get it. It really hasn't made me happier. However, I can control my homicidal and suicidal thoughts better so that is a big plus.

50 year old female

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-03 14:14:45

Answer/Reply:

I've gained at least 20 lbs. since being on the Effexor. I also notice I am bloated all the time. The anxiety of the weight gain and being bloated adds to my symptoms and to why I am on the med to begin with.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-22 14:43:54

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking effexor for awhile now. I have always had a 5 - 12 pound weight flucuation. i am a 32 year old female and also have times where i feel more bloated than others. I aso have problems with GERD, IBS, Acid reflux. Do you suffer from any of these or take medications for them? If so, you might be experiencing side effects from them, not the effexor.

32 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-03 17:45:00

Answer/Reply:

Yes, I gained about 25 pounds! The only way I can manage to lose it is to go on a starvation diet 3 days out of the week. I know that isn't healthy for me but right now I don't really care. If I have to live with seizures, Hep C, and this too, I'm going to do what I can to stay like I was before I started taking EFFEXOR XR. Can you cry? I can't cry anymore. This drug has made me numb.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 01:59:17

Answer/Reply:

I lost a little weight when I first started taking it.

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 17:25:08

Answer/Reply:

I've recently lost weight but I don't think it's because of effexor. I also took myself off of effexor and experienced dizziness, sick feelings and weakness. I didn't listen to the doctor and go off from it slowly, I won't so that again! I've since went back on it because I started having feelings of anger and being irrational. It really helps me think straight and be a happier person. It causes me to sweat much more but that's a small price to pay.

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 18:48:04

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Effexor 225 mg /day for over a year and I haven't noticed any weight gain or anything else that everyone else has described. Though my weight always has fluctuated between 5-10 lbs. I dont feel it was because of the medication


25 year old female

24 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-29 21:03:51

Answer/Reply:

I have gained 20 pounds from taking it. I am going to quit taking it. It doesn't seem to help me either. I also have been sweating real bad on it.

26 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-01 07:22:38

Answer/Reply:

my husband takes this medicine. It is awful when he runs out and weight gain. He has gained about 40 or 50 pounds since he started taking this stuff. We thought that it was his diabetic medicine but it wasn't. He has no sex drive. We have not had sex in over 5 months. This medicine is the worst.

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-03 21:50:54

Answer/Reply:

I have been on the medication for almost 15 years and I have never had any trouble with weight gain or loss due to the medicaiton.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-04 15:34:01

Answer/Reply:

I really don't know if it was effexor or that I quit smoking. I have gain 15 lbs and not liking it but I have a lot of things happening in my life right now. I lost both my brother and my niece within a month and the effexor kept me from losing it. I will always be a lover of this drug. Lets hope that I will lose the weight here in a little while. It was worth the lbs to stop my smoking and I really believe that effexor helped.

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-06 18:58:30

Answer/Reply:

I am a 52yr old female, I was put on 500 mg effexor xr , 9 years ago when my eldest left for the navy right after graduation from high school. I live in the back woods of MN.
I gain weight, my body and urine odor changed drastically, all sex drive disappeared.
2 months ago a new pharmacist in town saw me at a local store, i was crying for no reason. He asked if my doctor ever had me going to a therapist, because it is highly recommended to see a therapist while on this medicine. I told him no. I quit cold turkey the next day. The first days were no stop crying, the 3rd day was head aches and a weird euphoria in my head. The 4th day i actually could react like a human again, for the last 9 yrs I have let people talk rude to me, say what they wanted and I just stood there looking stupid. Now it hits me and I can tell them that their words do hurt and to knock it off. I gain so much weight while i was on that drug. now i have lost 10 pounds, without really trying, now i have to really try and lose the other 50 pounds.
and this is my story, I do no suggest that others quit as i did, Please see your doctor first, as everyone has different reasons that their doctor has put them on this drug.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-17 18:19:52

Answer/Reply:

I am a 64 year old female. I started having panic attacks & anxiety when I was in my mid 20's. We never found out why I would have these attacks. Over the years they just got worse and more frequent. It got to the point that i would wake up in the middle of the night in a full blown panic attack. I am on 2 other meds for this, but the Dr. finally put me on Effexor XR. Within a few weeks the attacks stopped. I haven't had a panic attack in 7 years(since being on effoxor). Before, life was barely tolerable. Since starting Effexor XR, I enjoy my life. The difference is amazing.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-25 14:26:17

Answer/Reply:

I'm a 57 year old female and my story sounds very much like yours. I've had my effexor XR increased to a point that my doctor decided to give me an additional medication when I needed it. The last couple of months I've started having problems with panic attacks and severe depression again, so I'm probably facing the probablity that I'll be given an additional medication (3 different ones)
Since you mentioned that you were on two other meds I thought I'd see if you would tell me what those other two meds are.
Along with the Effexor XR I also take Budeprion 150 MG

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-18 12:20:30

Answer/Reply:

I totally agree with you on your comment about "It just blows me away how effexor xr affects people on so many different levels". I used to take Paxil for about 11 years and it stopped working, so the dr put me on Celexa. I had severe suicidal thoughts on Celexa, the dr told me it was a severe side effect, so I was then given samples of Effexor XR. It worked great! It took care of my panic/anxiety attacks, my depression, suicidal thoughts, post traumatic stress disorder, etc. Once the samples ran out, I went to get my refills and was given the generic "venlafaxine". WOW what a ride that was!!! Found out that I was having Discontinuation Syndrome because the generic wasn't as "strong" as the name brand and I was actually getting a much smaller dose taking the generic. I had such severe suicidal thoughts, my mind raced and raced and I felt like I had an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other shoulder fighting "in my mind". One would tell me to kill myself, the other would say "why would you do that? you don't want to die!" I was alone at home one day and was totally overwhelmed with all the thoughts running through my mind, I was in a fog, confused, having suicidal thoughts, panic/anxiety attacks, PTSD, etc. I went into the bathroom to take a shower and thought to myself "Yeah, take a shower, grab a razor and kill yourself, nobody will have to clean up the blood that way." I FREAKED out that I had even THOUGHT something so absurd, so I ran into the kitchen. Then I saw the knife block and thought to myself again (remember.. that durn devil on one shoulder messing with my mind vs the angel on the other shoulder trying to reason with myself that I don't even want to die, don't listen to those thoughts). Anyways once in the kitchen, I again thought to myself to grab a knife and just stab myself in the stomach and chest and just END IT ALL! I totally freaked again and was crying uncontrollably. I ran into the living room and started to call my father or my uncle to come help me, but I was afraid they wouldn't make it there in time, they were at work somewhere in town. So I picked up the phone and dialed 911 and pleaded for someone to get to me as quickly as possible that I was having suicidal thoughts, recently switched to a new medication and was scared of my own mind and thoughts. They stayed on the line with me, told me to grab all my medication bottles I was currently taking, my keys to my apartment, etc. It took the fire department exactly 2 minutes to get there. I was sitting at the bottom steps crying and shaking uncontrollably, my pulse was racing, I was shivering cold and my lips were even shivering/shaking. The ambulance took me to the Emergency Room, who then took me to Laureate Psychiatric Hospital. They couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. They thought I was having withdrawals from my pain medications because I had just ran out, had just taken the last one until I could get the refills the next morning. But it wasn't time to be having withdrawals yet. They finally figured out in their "medical books" that I was having Discontinuation Syndrome from the change from Effexor XR that I had taken for two weeks then being switched to venflafaxine, the generic. They immediately got me the Effexor XR, I took it and was put on suicide watch. Wouldn't you know it... 4 hours later, I was calm and back to myself with no anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts, crying, etc. I was ready to go home, but they kept me there another 3 days for precautions and to make sure I was "okay". They also put me on Klonopin for my anxiety. The 3rd and 4th day I was taken off of suicide watch and they were just watching/monitoring me "medically" to make sure I was fit to go home alone.

So like you said "It amazes me also how this drug and the generic can affect people in so many different ways". I also wanted to warn others if they came across the same feelings/thoughts when switched from the brand name to the generic, that there IS a difference. You have to take 3 or 4 of the generic to equal 1 of the brand name or something like that.

I thank the Lord for giving me that angel on my shoulder to fight that mean old devil on my other shoulder and helping me to make that phone call and get the help I needed. I had never been so scared in all my life!

P.S. Insurance now covers the brand name for me.

P.S.S. I also have severe withdrawals when I run out. Eye bulging, brain floating, brain shocks, confusion, muscle spasms, severe body aching, insomnia, restlessness, suicidal thoughts, etc.

Good luck to all and God Bless. I hope Effexor XR helps all of you like it helps me. It is a miracle drug... just be careful if you're given the brand name samples and then switched to the generic due to insurance's cheap selves.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-29 01:49:29

Answer/Reply:

Hi, I take efferox rx and have been since 1998. 75 mg. Then I found out in 2004 I had correctal cancer which has taken a toll on my body. I will soon be in remission 3 years come June this time. I now take 150 mg. It cost me $40 for my RX, but the actually price here in GA in nowhere near $300. I looking at my last refill receipt and the actual cost or what my insurance paid is $95.47 and I pay $40. Something just does not sound right. I cannot beleive they are charging you over $300.00. You need to check around at different pharmacies or call the maker of efferor. Sounds to me you are getting ripped off and there should be someting you can do. I know 6 months or so ago the cost my insurance paid was $150 something and the price has come down. You really need to do some reaseach. There's no way I could afford that amount and even if you don't have insurance effexor should not be costing you that much. Good Luck to You, Debra

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-20 18:26:03

Answer/Reply:

Hi. Go to there website, find tab for aid or people who can not afford, print all 4 pages fill out your part and have your doctor fill out a prescription and sign and fill out there part, they will send you 3 months at a time for free, if you quailify ( no insurance, unemployed ect.) I did this and they did send meds. Peace be with you.
You are in my prayers

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-20 18:51:57

Answer/Reply:

try to contact the makers of your medicine they may be able to help with the cost
karyn

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-21 00:20:04

Answer/Reply:

Hi hon,
I read your post and felt compelled to write and tell you something. I will be 52 in July. I am battling with "mentalpause" myself. I've been on Effexor for about 5 or 6 years. When our business fell on hard times and we couldn't afford medical insurance that was anything more than strictly major medical, no prescription coverage, I had heard that drug companies will sometimes help with your meds. I went to the website for Wyeth and filled out their application for medical assistance. I just renewed my prescription for another year. There's a little bit of paperwork that you'll need to fill out and your doctor has to write a prescription for 3 months worth with 3 refills, enough for 1 year. I really was having a hard time coping with our financial situation, which stemmed from my husband being wrongfully terminated from his job after he had an on the job accident which left him 30% disabled for life. We sued the company and were involved in 2 years of litigation. We won the suit which they settled out of court and he got a workman's comp. settlement so we are back on our feet again. I shudder to think what might have happened to me without that medication.
Anyway, give it a try. The worst that can happen is they'll say no. It will only cost you a trip to the doctor and he/she may write you the script without an appt if you explain your circumstances.
Best of luck to you and I hope this is of some help to you.

Patty

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-21 20:19:24

Answer/Reply:

There is a generic to Effexor ER called Venlafaxine and of course you would need a prescription from your doctor but it is much less expensive than the name brand. I have tried it but had great difficulty swollowing this pill since it is not coated so decided as long as I have insurance and not within my gap I will keep buying the name brand. Good Luck!

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-22 23:34:01

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking effexor for the past 8 years. First for hot flashes and mood swings. Then I was dignost with breast cancer. My doctor kept me on it for my happiness. I once lost my insurance and as you said this is an expenesive med. My doctor gave me samples and a $15 discount card from the manufactor. I also started taking the pills every other day. I then had my doctor put me on a lower does that I gradually weened myself down to everyother day, also. Every other day makes the pills last twice as long. I have insurance now, but still take it everyother day to try to get off the med all together. That is very hard to do.
I do love my effexor, but feel like it's time to get off it for good.
Good luck

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 14:58:41

Answer/Reply:

I also take 225mg of Effexor XR along with 5mg Abilify, this works very well for me. I have been through so many different anti-depressants and nothing really helped until now, I no longer cry uncontrolably for no reason. I also take 150mg trazadone to sleep. I also have fibromyalga, Lyrica does not work for me either so they have me on 3600mg of Neurontin daily which doesn't work either, they have maxed out the neurontin so I don't know where we go from here?!?

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-22 17:14:48

Answer/Reply:

seems like u need to be on Cymbalta instead of effexor. It wld help with the fibromyalgia alot. Lyrica does work for me, what was your dosage, maybe they didn't have it right. I have RSDS which is kind of like Fibromyalgia but it spreads and is a bit harsher than that, my doc put me on 200 mg lyrica for nerve pain, 120 mb cymbalta (max dose) for depression and it helps raise your pain tolerance and is FDA approved for Fibromyalgia as well, 1 mg Klonipin twice daily which helps with the depression and anxiety attacks, and I couldn't find a pain med that worked, so he found that methadone is used in chronic pain patients and is the most widely used drug for pain in hospice because it is very inexpensive. It is basically generic morphine. I take 5 mg 3 times a day and it helps majorly, also on 100 mg trazadone to help me sleep because I cld never get more than three hrs a night from the pain and lastly for when my lower back flares up from RSDS, I have Lidocaine patches which do not enter the bloodstream so it doesn't effect any of the medications but delivers pain relief to that specific spot.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-22 20:00:40

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

Posted: 2009-04-16 15:46:52

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

Posted: 2009-04-16 20:17:59

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

Posted: 2009-04-21 17:14:50

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.

29 year old Male

Posted: 2009-04-23 18:11:58

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

Posted: 2009-04-15 17:52:36

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

Posted: 2009-04-20 14:18:12

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

Posted: 2009-04-20 20:32:03

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

Posted: 2009-04-21 11:47:07

Answer/Reply:

how long had you taken them? I love them.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-21 12:58:16

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

Posted: 2009-04-23 21:46:32

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

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-23 23:19:46

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

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-24 12:21:39

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

Posted: 2009-04-01 15:49:53

iGuard.org 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!!

Posted: 2009-03-19 22:23:48

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

Posted: 2009-03-16 13:29:14

iGuard.org 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

Posted: 2009-03-18 01:33:53

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

Posted: 2009-03-05 18:51:54

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

Posted: 2009-03-06 00:46:39

iGuard.org 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!

Posted: 2009-03-06 15:18:59

iGuard.org 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.

Posted: 2009-03-17 17:34:47

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

Posted: 2009-03-18 01:29:55

iGuard.org 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.

Posted: 2009-03-18 10:21:51

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.

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-19 17:28:45

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

Posted: 2009-03-23 14:47:08

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

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-23 19:40:07

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

Posted: 2009-03-24 09:28:14

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

Posted: 2009-03-25 13:30:06

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.

33 year old Male

Posted: 2009-03-27 14:44:38

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

Posted: 2009-03-27 22:30:38

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

Posted: 2009-03-28 23:24:16

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.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-30 08:08:47