iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have experienced the muscle and joint pain also.

Posted: 2008-11-24 08:52:17

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Effexor for about a year, with a gradually increasing dose. I have experienced weight GAIN and have noticed more muscle aches and pains. However, I attributed this due to increased LACK of exercise due to increased back and leg pain. I never thought about attributing this to Effexor as I never read this was a side effect. I have been monitoring my medication combinations more thoroughly and this web-site is very informative and helps a lot with comparison of these meds as I also take medicine for diabetes and high blood pressure. Sometimes I wonder if all these meds just make things worse. Hopefully things will level out. If I find taking a medication on my list conflicts with another med-I will ask a MEDICAL doctor or the pharmacist. Now adays, there are so many physician assistants out there prescribing medication to patients like me, and they are not really knowledgeable about the side effects or risk of medication reactions. It pays to keep yourself informed. I hope this helps.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-25 18:34:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Yes I to suffer from pain up and down my legs.Been to the doctor for xrays on both legs and lower lumbar area but no advice given yet to me for the reason why my legs hurt all the time.Been on Effexor-XR for sometime now do not know if this drug is the cause for my leg pain or not...53 male

Posted: 2008-11-28 02:24:14

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I, too, had joint pain but I never connected it to the Effexor XR until I stopped taking the medication. I have arthritis but the joint pain in my hip was worse than any arthritis pain I have experienced.

Posted: 2008-11-28 17:08:43

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was recently, winged off Effexor ER, I was taking 300mg a day. The med was replaced by Pristiq 100mg a day. I have been completely off the Effexor for about a week or so. I have the majority of the withdrawl side effects. I can tell you that it has not bee fun. However, I feel that I may not have had such a hard time if I didn't also have Fibromyalgia. I know if you, went to some other med to replace Effexor or not, that may be why the side effects are harder on you, if you didn't replace it with some other med.

I do wish you all the luck in the world. Cus, I pretty much know how you feel.

May God Be With You! Melody (mtart66@yahoo.com)

Posted: 2008-11-19 17:30:45

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I tried to taper off of the Effexor XR and the withdrawal symptoms were still awful. The dizziness and brain fog/zaps continued even when I gradually cut down the dose. I went to my doctor a few days ago and he said that, in his opinion, the best way to get off Effexor XR is to take 10 mg of Lexapro and stop taking Effexor XR. The Lexapro will help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms, and you can pretty easily taper off of Lexapro with no side effects. After 5-7 days on 10 mg of Lexapro, he told me to cut the pills in half and take 1/2 for a week. Then 1/2 for every other day, then stop.

I am still having some Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms, but they are fairly mild. The Lexapro is really helping to alleviate the headaches, fog, etc. Talk to your doctor about this approach, so far it is working out really well.

Posted: 2008-11-21 00:02:47

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was on it for 6 months. Then I felt that I was ready to go off of it and told my Dr. He told me how to gradually stop taking it. I didn't have any side effects while I was on it or after I stopped taking it.

Posted: 2008-11-21 17:22:39

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I know what you mean about the withdrawls. I have been on effexor 150mg xr for about 10 years. There is no way that I can get off this med. I tried with my last 2 pregnancies, but couldn't do it. Withdrawal symptoms are too bad.

Posted: 2008-11-30 15:42:37

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am a 36 year old female and have been on Effexor XR for approx 6-7 years. I initially went on it after ending a 6 year relationship with my sons father. I was crying often and was told this would help me cope. I tried to taper off (with a physician's advice and schedule) and it seemed to work for a few weeks. I then started experiencing extreme irritability, headaches, fatigue, major mood swings, depression, anxiety...and the list goes on. I wish I had NEVER started taking it or at least done some major research on it first. It may have helped me emotionally for a while but looking at the side effects of trying to come off it, it would have been easier to just deal with what I was going through on my own or with counseling. I am scared to try and go off it again as I have two kids and a new relationship and the withdrawl symptoms are horrible. I don't want to put my family through that. Any suggestions?

Posted: 2008-12-02 11:36:47

Answer/Reply:

Hi there, I am 40 years old and how just gone off XR 75mg this is what I had been started on and I found that over the year that I've been on it I had dizzy spells, weight gain, memory loss and a deeper depression. I decided that the side effects are far worse than the depression it's self. I came off it fast but the sideeffects where so bad for me it's been over 2 weeks now and some of the physical side effects are still there, but I feel better now than what I have in a long time. I hope this helps you :-)

41 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-02 20:33:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Anyone had any experience with a slow taper?

I spoke with my family doctor about this personal taper. The design of the capsule enabled me to taper as follows. A capsule (150 MG.) has roughly 500 round pellets. Everyday, I hold the capsule upright inside a bowl-shaped container to collect every single pellet that accidently spills out, and I take out on purpose. Each pellet is the drug. I make sure that I account for each pellet. My principal concern is to prevent even one pellet to be injested inadvertently by a family member, other people and pets. By using a gentle twisting motion, I carefully remove the cap which has the name of drug/supplier. The bottom part of the capsule is full to its brim with pellets. I decant 50 pellets. I account for each pellet, and log their total number and this start date of the taper. I close the capsule carefully and firmly. I take this reduced dosage capsule as prescribed for the full dose by my doctor. I collect with a pair of tweezers and store each pellet in a child-proof spent prescription bottle. I clearly label it with the name of drug and date it, and store it in a safe place. Now I have a process to taper as my body allows me. I found a slow, and prolonged taper to be the best approach. In the interim, I continued to speak with my doctor on my progress and the outcome.

Posted: 2008-12-10 09:56:37

Answer/Reply:

I've been on Effexor XR for many years. Once, I tried tapering off myself and almost 'died' from the shocks to my system. Then, with help from my doc, I tapered off VERY slowly-took months!! After some time, depression returned big time and I went back to Effexor XR, because it has worked the best for me. I'm tired, achy all the time.,,.,.but I'm not sure it's the Effexor. Also, I've gained a ton of weight. Also not sure it has anything to do with Effexor....I've also lost weight on the drug, with a lot of effort.
I also have multiple health problems which contribute to all my symptoms.
Hope this is helpful.

66 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-17 10:16:27

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

About 5% of iGuard users have reported weight gain as a side effect of Venlafaxine. In clinical trials, weight gain was frequently reported.

Posted: 2008-11-17 10:09:19

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Through my doctor he had told me that it helps to lose weight. I told him because of all the other pills that I was gaining. He told me give it time that I will start losing some weight

Posted: 2008-11-18 08:59:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am 24 years old and have been on effexor for 2-1/2 to 3 years. today is my 4th day of taking myself off of it. after gaining 30-35 lbs i have had enough....the worst is the belly fat. i look like i am pregnant. before taking effexor i was comftorable with my weight, i am 5'1" and weighed 125 lbs. now i am bout 160 lbs...i hate it...the withdrawls are okay so far the worst is the nausea and dizziness and shocks!! fingers crossed we including my family get through this...any suggestions on natural herbs or vitamins i can take to help with the side effects?

Posted: 2008-11-19 23:28:34

Answer/Reply:

Was on Effexor for 12 mo., gained 15 lbs.

53 year old Male

Posted: 2008-11-26 15:27:13

Answer/Reply:

I was glad to see this post as I have been on Effexor XR (300 mg daily) for over 10 years now and have struggled with weight gain which has been a significant concern to me. My physician keeps telling me Effexor XR does not cause weight gain

42 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-10 17:49:17

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

hello my name is debra and i was on efexor er and decided to get myself off with my doctors permision as i didnt want a tablet to rule my life the best way i can describe it is i was traped by these medications.as for coming of i was on the 150 mg then for two weeks went on to the 38. 5 apparantly diffent countries have diffent dosages anyway my third week of coming off am feeling so ill and i mean ill it feels like really bad posions are leaving my body so basically weened myself 2 a lower dose and am completly off its been 2 week yuk , what i experienced well really weird / flushing first few days severe vomiting and gideness and i kept having my head feel like it was being zaped but worser its not as frequent now but it still happens . also severed loss of appetite and fluid intake . also weird feelings in my body like pains in back / kidney are and out of balance my tummys in pain severe pain and i feel so tiered i slept 48 hours sraight all because of the tablets im taking valium as recomended as it helps u cope more i guess mentally and physically anyway . if u dont want to be on them discuss with doctor , ive been on other anti depressents and these are the worst for side effects as 2 coming off best thin g if u wanna come off . ween urself off heaps of fluid stay in bed and have a bucket and a fizzy mulitvitamin oh and i found sports drinks and jelly beans helped my lagging energy hope that hepls

Posted: 2008-11-13 17:18:10

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor in any form seems to have had no effect whatever on chronic depression. Have stopped taking it, with no ill effects at all.

Posted: 2008-11-12 05:51:05

Answer/Reply:

I've taken effexor xr for over ten years and have not had any problems. Just had blood work and everything was ok. This medicine for me has been wonderful.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-17 18:57:06

Answer/Reply:

i have had hallucinations for last 6 months(i hear music playing all the time-expecially at nithtime) sorry about my spelling! I didnt want to tell my doctor because it worked so well for me espet that. i take 1 capsule a day-effexor 75 mg . i have taken it for a long time-(years)I recently i had to have knee sugery then went to a nursing home.while i was there i took hydrocordone for severe pain.i begin to have sweats,mostly at nights. i take bumex,celebrex,and plavix,a statin. could my doctor look into all my pills i take? this is not all of my medicines i take.

72 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-17 20:05:36

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Go see your family physician!! If you are on this many meds you need to know they are safe interacting with one another. Take your list of meds with you and go as soon as you possibly can!! I worked in a doctors office for years and am concerned for your health and safety.

Posted: 2008-12-02 11:39:23

Answer/Reply:

My doc told me it was very dangerous to come off of this medication cold turkey. He said that a patient must be taken off gradually. Of course the dosage each individual is on plays a huge part in that. I know that on the few occasions that I have forgotten to take it I felt horrible until I could get home to take it. I don't think there is any substitute for discussing the side effects with your doc. If you don't like his/her answers seek a second opinion.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-26 22:52:47

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

They told me it doesn't cause weight gain, but I don't believe it. I was also taking Welburtin, but I am no longer taking it and I feel much better. I do a lot of research regarding prescription drugs vs. natural. That is how I was able to stop taking the welbutrin. But I haven't lost any weight. I was already overweight and gained an additional 30 lbs. when I had my hysterectomy. Hang in there and you might want to try something natural to help you get through this.

Posted: 2008-10-29 16:45:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I gained weight to, also when I forgot to take it I felt awful I mean really sick. Now what do I do? I'm afraid to stop taking it and at the same time I'm craving sweets all the time witch has resulted in weight gain..I do have to say one thing for the drug it has made me feel alot better. I guess you have to weigh the good and the bad and what is right for you.

Posted: 2008-11-02 20:07:19

Answer/Reply:

I have been on effexor 75 for over 12 years and I don't find any side effects but I wish I
could hve a few days w/0 constipation and don't know if that Effexor is the culbert or not
could you ans. that. thanks alot. Ellie in Tacoma

87 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-10 19:20:06

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I've had the same problem, but solved it by simply eating more bran/fiber.

Posted: 2008-11-15 09:55:12

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have also gained weight - 40 plus pounds and when I lose some, it always comes right back. I also have not slept through the night in years, thanks to Effexor. The other side effect that is horrible is the night sweats. I change my clothes 2-3 times a night sometimes. With all of that said, it has done a great job with my depression. After 6 years, I am switching to something new thanks to a new doctor.

Posted: 2008-11-13 00:12:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi I have been taken effexor (37.5mg) for several years. I have been on antidepresent drugs fo over 40 years. I have been on over 18 different regiments during that time. I can honestly say if I have to take an antidepresent effexor is the drug of choice for me. Yes I had some side effects at first; 3 to 4 months and they reacure once in a while, but nothing like the others. Yhe last one I tried was Cybalta; (OH MY GOD) never again!!!!!!!!!! If I do have to continue using this type of med. I'l stick where I am
Hope this helps

Ed

Posted: 2008-11-25 20:31:05

Answer/Reply:

hi there just read your post there my husband is taking effexor for 15 months now and is just starting to come off it since monday the doctor told him to take 150mg and 75mg every alternative day but didnt say for how long reading through a few forums there seems to be alot of side effects coming off of them ,do u have any idea how long it takes to compleatly come off them thanks

49 year old Male

Posted: 2008-10-22 15:01:44

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Effexor XR 187 mg ( I know weird dose) for about 6 years, and decided it was time to take myself off. Just to see if I could do it on my own. It has to be done very slowly. I was taking 150 mg plus 37mg tablet, so With the help of my Doctor, every two weeks I dropped it down it down by only 37 mg. I am on my last week of the last 37mg. and then I am done.
I know it sounds strange, but this is a very had drug to get off of. Sleeping is really tough, haven't figured that out yet. I'm doing allot of water and juice to try and flush my system.
I went threw drug treatment 34 years ago, and I'll tell you it's allot like that, but it just makes me more determined to get off it and not go back on it. The best of luck to you.

60 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-23 15:06:39

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I take a 150mg and a 75mg (225mg) I take them in the morning. I have no problem sleeping.

Posted: 2008-11-06 11:39:48

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

In my experience, also a user, who was taken off of it for a while--it isn't a matter of physical or psychological addition as much as a ramping down affect, which most of us probable felt the inverse of (a ramping up effect: slight lightheadedness/small headache) when first going on it. When I discontinued use after my first year on it, I did so by stepping down to every other day for 2 weeks then off. Felt a little heady for a couple of days after the drop off, but not bad. My physician has recommended I stay on it long term, which I concur for myself.

Posted: 2008-10-09 20:12:59

Answer/Reply:

Hi there, I've only been on this med for 1 year but I have a bad reaction to it with weight gain, forgetfullness and alot of others too much to mention I've come off them and very happy now as the side effects where so bad. Not every body is the same but for me I"m happer. It has only been 2 weeks now but I stll have side effects.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-02 21:08:22

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have also had HORRIBLE constipation with Effexor XR. The constipation caused me to have a combination of hemorrhoids and fissures. I also have felt more angry and exhausted. I have been on plenty of anti-depressants and this one so far has had the worst side effects. I am switching to Cymbalta in hopes that the side effects aren't as severe.

Posted: 2008-09-29 17:10:22

Answer/Reply:

Yes It can, Pain Meds can do it for sure I take 2000 mg a day Omega Fish oil gel caps keeps me regular and my colesterol down too! Laura

48 year old Female

Posted: 2008-10-16 21:21:16

Answer/Reply:

I'm not going to lie and tell you it's no problem to get off Effexor. It is HARD! I was on Effexor 150mg per day for 2 years, and I was having an acne problem. I thought it might be the Effexor, so I wanted to go off it. My doctor tapered me down over the course of one month. During that month I was dizzy all the time and just not feeling quite right. After I stopped completely, I got SO SICK! The first week I was very short tempered and yelling at everyone. The next week is when I got very sick. I spent at least a week in bed! My husband had to take time off work to care for the kids. I was throwing up, dizzy, bad headache. It was like the worst flu times 10. Then I started crying all the time and just couldn't stop. I was able to get out of bed after a while, but I was still feeling very very sick. I pretty much just layed around on the couch for a month feeling like I had the flu. I actually felt so bad I went to the ER during the 2nd week, I thought something was seriously wrong with me because I was so sick. They said it was just withdrawals & I should go back on the Effexor. I refused.
I think the really bad symptoms were about a month, then after that they slowly got better and better. It was about 2 months before I felt fairly normal. After six months, the horrible depression hit and I tried to commit suicide. I've always had bad depression problems, so this could be just because I was not on any medication for it, or it could have been a withdrawal symptom. I'm not sure which. I assume it is just because I have issues with bad depression and I wasn't on anything.
On top of that, my acne never got better, so it wasn't the Effexor after all! After 7 months being off it, I ended up right back on it again, and at DOUBLE the dose I had before! The 150mg I was taking before didn't do it for me to pull me out of the bad depression so they doubled it. It honestly was a very horrible experience.
I don't mean to scare anyone from going off this medication, it can be done, but it's no picnic. Just be sure it is what you really want to do, and not a whim or an experiement. I think you should taper down over a very long period of time. That will help, but you'll still be fairly sick once you're off completely. I'd plan on taking the 2nd week off work & making arrangements for children if you can.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-28 12:41:20

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Those of us who suffer from depression should be so thankful for meds like Effexor XR. I don't know why we have to get so sick before we quit fighting the medication. I, too went off my Effexor several years ago because I was afraid it was causing digestive problems. I was ok for about a year, but then I got really sick and couldn't eat, had constant diarhea, etc. etc. Finally, my Dr. put me back on Effexor XR and when I got to 150 mg. per day, I started feeling much better. I am so thankful for the relief from depression, etc. Yes, it takes away your sexual desires, but I do it for my husband, and surprise, sometimes I enjoy it too.

Posted: 2008-09-30 21:05:29

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am a 36 year old female and have been on Effexor x almost 7 years. I totally can relate to your story. I too tried to go off it (slowly) and seemed okay for 2 months and the third month I started getting extremely irritable, severe mood swings, hard time with loud noises, brain blips, etc...and my poor kids, I am sure they thought I turned into some kind of monster. I don't want to put them or my boyfriend through this but I so badly want off of this drug. The side effects FAR outweigh my initial problem. Personally I feel going off of it CAUSES severe depression. I wish the best for you hopefully getting off of it one day!

Posted: 2008-12-02 11:46:19

Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Effexor for over a year regularly now and I believe it has helped my anxiety some, though quite a few changes have occurred in my life, so it's hard to tell completely. ..The "brain zaps" I think you are talking about ,have happened to me when I have mistakenly (or even in the past see if I could do without), occurred w hen I stopped taking Effexor for a couple of days. It is a feeling of dizziness that feels almost like mild electrocution sensation in your head. It occurs to me when I sit up or stand up suddenly. I do not get giddy and fall, but it is just an annoying and somewhat scarry "buzzing" sensation and a "tight" feeling in the head. This is a common side effect of stopping this medication according to my doctor and usually abates for me within an hour or two of resuming medication. Also if I miss a dose, this may occur slightly. It is not a pleasant feeling at all for me but it is the only side effect I have had on this medicine. My dr. says if I ever stop taking this it will have to be a very slow withdrawal.

I have never had nor wanted to have to be dependent on this or any medication, but it does help for now. We will have to see what the future brings. I have found a lot of help regarding this medication and withdrawal effects in the library. Sorry, can't remember the titles now, but look it up in your library catalague.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-25 18:31:44

Answer/Reply:

I, too, have got those "brain zaps" before. When I was unemployed and could not afford my medication I stopped my Effexor suddenly. DON'T EVER DO THIS! I started working a construction job and was extremely scared of getting on ladders and scaffolds because of the dizziness I was experiencing from not taking the Effexor. I did not get sick, and was only off my medicine for about 1 1/2 weeks until I received a check. I promptly went and got my prescription refilled but it took about 1-2 weeks before I was feeling better.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-29 07:40:41

Answer/Reply:

It is so nice to know that other people in this world know what a "brain-zap" is and have experienced one. They are not nice. I too experience them if I forget to take my medication. It usually takes a couple of days and the first zap reminds me and I am fine in an hour or so of taking medication. I had the same experience detoxing from Zoloft (which was horrible). But, I do love the Effexor. It makes me feel like myself with only 75mg. I have no desire to quit taking it accept for the fact that my insurance isn't paying for it because they say I don't have a "mental" policy!!!

46 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-29 16:47:18

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You need to speak to your doctor immediately. There are other drugs you can try or they can prescribe something to help your sex drive. I have the same problems on Effexor. Luckily, my husband is very understanding and there are some good products out there to help with lubrication. You might consider taking your husband with you to your doctor's appointment so that you doctor can explain to him some of the side effects and how to cope with them.

Posted: 2008-09-24 04:42:11

Answer/Reply:

This could have been me writing your blog. I to expr. the same effects you discribed. I receatly tried celexa and Lexapo. I tried about everyone on the market. I decided a week ago to go back on Wellbutrin XR 100. I have found that it actually boots my sex drive. I am a 52 yr. old woman and have been married for 34 yrs. and my husband too was getting mad because I didn't want to have sex. He thought I had found someone else. I assured him that at the time I didn't know why I didn't want to have sex. I just didn't care anything about it. Wellbutrin isn't for everybody and you may not have the same expr. that I did, but you could ask the dr. for a trial pack and see if it works for you. Hope you get good results. Been there

52 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-25 10:17:36

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor will give more hot flashes. That is the only thing I ever disliked about the drug is the amount of sweating I did. For everything else though, it was a miracle. I just tried to look at it as sweating away the fat!

Posted: 2008-11-17 13:02:29

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I take Effexor SR 150 twice daily and find that the night sweats occur five or six times monthly. I had taken Paxil prior to the Effexor but found that after taking it 5 years, it stopped working. In reading other comments, I take more than most and I guess I'm on it for life.

56 year
female

Posted: 2009-02-08 17:20:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Thanks for sharing your experience! All of the withdrawal stories scare the heck out of me! I'm glad your's went well! Good luck!

Posted: 2008-09-28 23:02:56

Answer/Reply:

I stopped taking Effexor XR due to the weight gain I experienced. I was given Prozac to help with withdrawal symtoms (which did not help very much). I am finally off of Effexor XR and I feel LESS anxious. I sleep better and my blood pressure is down.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2008-07-19 08:17:40

Answer/Reply:

I thought it was just me on the weight gain but I guess it has to be the effexor. In one breath, I want to get off it because i don't feel its making a differences anymore but then again I am scared because of the real bad side effects when I just miss taking it 1 day. I can't afford to be sick for a whole week, How long does the side effects last before you feel normal again

24 year old Male

Posted: 2008-09-05 03:47:40

Answer/Reply:

Ok I am Female 23 not male that wrote the last rebly

24 year old Male

Posted: 2008-09-05 03:48:49

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Dear iGuard User,

If there is any information in your profile that is not correct, please be sure to update your profile. You can do this by logging in to your iGuard profile and clicking on "View/Edit Profile" in the top bar.

Thank you,
Ginny
iGuard Support

Posted: 2008-09-05 10:43:18

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hi all. I have been on Effexor for over 7 months now and I have a love/hate relationship with it. It completely stopped my anxiety, but now I am dizzy, I have nausea all the time, dry mouth, very anxious, weight gain (rediculous!), change in vision (had to get a whole new eye exam and presciption), trouble sleeping (nightmares). not to mention that if you miss 1 day, your whole body starts fighting against you. I get terribly ill, throwing up, disoriented, dizzy and much more. I want to get off of this med. but the side effects scare me to much. I feel lost!

Posted: 2008-09-18 08:54:18

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You have to take less and gradually come off the Effexor. It is best to have a doctor help you come down by giving you smaller doses. If you don't need it, the smaller doses will be easy, if you do need it you can know. You are on a small dose now. It is not a habit forming drug. You can come off of it if you really want to.

Posted: 2008-09-21 14:48:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I had a problem with Effexor leaving me awake alot, so I talked to my doctor and I take 75 mg every other day. This also helps the withdrawal symptoms not be so bad. (My withdrawal causes the tissue around my brain to spasm. Not painful or anything, just a little uncomfortable. It feels like my brain is spinning for a millisecond about every 5 minutes.) I was also prescribed Trazadone to help me sleep some too if my anxiety got really bad.

Posted: 2008-09-24 04:40:25

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Female/58
The same thing happened to me. The side effects became so severe that I slowly decreased the Effexor TR and now am at 35mg. I feel almost normal. The diagnosis I received from my therapist while on it is extreme and I can not get him to see me differently, now.

Posted: 2008-07-24 12:49:53

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been Effexor XR for approximately 18 mths and during this time my depression got worse became aggressive with increasing sucidal thoughts. I am coming off it slowly from 150mg per day to 37.5mg per day and already feel so much better. This drug has been detrimental to my well being. To date no side effects coming off but I am doing it under medical advice. I can only say this drug has not helped me in anyway in fact I have gone backwards in the last 18 months but now I am finally excited about my future I feel a sense of calm which I have not felt for a very long time.

Posted: 2008-07-30 05:28:27

Answer/Reply:

I have to agree here...when I finally found Effexor, I was hitting the cess pool of life and was wanting out of it badly. My dr and I had been through so many anti-depressants over the past few years since 2001 trying to find one to match the chemical imbalance in my system. It has been a true nightmare for her and I. She watches the side effects very closely on my meds due to the fact that I have headache/migraine tendencies almost daily....thank gawd she would check those side effects at times too.

Paxil worked but I wasn't sleeping...Prozac worked for awhile and then it was like someone turned a switch in off and it just stopped. She took me to the max on it, but it didn't help. Finally she did switched me to the Effexor, but it was not soon enough...I did end up in the hospital on the 8th floor talking to a psychologist and he added Lexapro to my Effexor.

So, I am proud to say that between the Effexor and the Lexapro combo...I have also been on an even keel as well for the past 3 years now. I am not saying that I do not still have the stupid ideas now and then. I myself will always have those. BUT, at least I will just talk about them now instead of hiding them away deep inside like I have done in the past.


My thought on the fact that it may not work for some is the fact that they may need something to help it along like the way I take Lexapro. The way it was explained to me is that one works on the Sertonin levels as the other works on the others and they work as a team.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2008-08-18 16:22:04

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I second the "even keel" l

Posted: 2008-08-26 02:59:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You need to consume antioxidants that break the blood-brain barrier. Alpha-lipoic acid is good...i believe it is found in red meat(may be wrong)...but you can take it in pill form. This will help to get that crap out of your system. Also, they say that some toxins can only escape your body by you sweating...so exercise and sweat.

Posted: 2008-08-04 18:34:57

Answer/Reply:

You really should not be drinking while on these kinds of meds or any mds for that matter.

38 year old Female

Posted: 2008-08-10 18:27:35

Answer/Reply:

I found this to be one of the frustrating and difficult side effects to explain. I too would experience difficulty with memory recall. I found that I was not as quick as I used to be and that upset me. No one else noticed, but I struggled with the recall and would grope in my mind for the words that I would want to say. Even now, I find myself struggling to find the word to describe something, it could be a book on the table, or the car or everyday household items and I draw a blank. The other thing is that any alcohol would send me over too quickly. It sucked. Being young and social that glass of wine with my collegues would instantly cause me to heat up, flush, etc. I experienced the first hang over in my life ever while on Effexor XR. So I have had to severely limit my intake. I am not a regular drinker, but now I am down to wine spritzers instead of straight wine and no more than 2 glasses.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-21 15:26:30

Answer/Reply:

I also have that Vertigo feeling when I forget to take mine too.....I have been wondering about it.Thank you for helping me with this.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2008-07-28 17:50:06

Answer/Reply:

it could possibly also be the Lamictal, i was on it and had to be taken off of it it made my manic side of my bipolar worse with racing thoughts and unable to concentrate and made my anxiety much worse, just a thought :)

24 year old Female

Posted: 2008-08-10 21:18:33

Answer/Reply:

I'm also taking Lamictal for bi-polar..but I also was given Effexor only because I thought that would help me more than Lamictal..since I was on Effexor before.I do have social problems,this is why i was on Effexor before.I do have racing thoughts.hard to believe that I was told I was bi-polar...Now I don't know what to take..I had stop taking the Lamictal..and started taking Effexor...

54 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-19 21:36:29

Answer/Reply:

Effexor is an SNRI

39 year old Male

Posted: 2008-07-09 09:30:29

Answer/Reply:

That is a helpful link thank you for sharing it! I too get brain zaps during withdrawal and it is nice to know I am not crazy when trying to explain it to others.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-02 00:52:59

Answer/Reply:

i am thrilled to see this link. i will go to it after i read all these. i am so afraid of the withdrawals. pharmacist said she didn't know why this drug is not classified as a narcotic. also that if i wanted to ween off it to use meclezine found in dramamine or bonine. anyone ever hear of this? i just want my life back & it's not getting any better.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-27 05:37:05

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Don't go there find something else this is an awful drug and things won't get better they get worse. I really believe our doctors think they are doing the best for us at the time of perscribing it but for me it has nearly ruined my life.

Posted: 2008-07-30 05:34:56

Answer/Reply:

In the beginning I too was nauseous, as well as dizzy if I got up to quickly. My symptoms passed fairly quickly. I have had a positive experience for the most part and still am taking it. Just keep up with your dosage. For me I do experience withdrawal symptoms in the form of "brain zaps" if I go off them even for a few days. Lately I have been experiencing a lot of memory issues but I have also been through a lot of stress but I am watching for any correlations b/w memory and Effexor XR.

48 year old Female

Posted: 2008-09-02 01:01:45

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Question/Comment:

I feel that effexor xr is a great drug...I have been on it for about 4 years and my dose has varied up and down depending on my stressors at any given time. I had to go without it once due to lack of insurance and cash...I noticed after one missed dose I gott that swimmy headed "trippy" feeling which lasted serveral days off and on and after several consecutive days I went into a manic "irritable" phase that was pretty nasty and probably worse than pre-effexor. This to me was an obvious sign that effexor xr is addictive and having an addictive personality I'll probably be on it for the rest of my life...with the alternative being bipolar disorder with a nasty irritable phase manic phase I'll take the effexor addiction (By the way...the clinic I was going to got me samples after a few weeks and set me up with the manufacturer (Astra Zenca I believe) which has a great program that you can get a 90 day supply for like $20 or $30) This is my story but I realize every drug effects every person differently. Good Luck!

35 year old female

Posted: 2008-09-30 21:45:59

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been on Effexor for the last two years and am now trying very hard to come off of it. This is the second time in my life that I have been put on it. I use to be a very energetic and motivated person who had a passion for life and people. I am bipolar and after a very dab inccident in my life which put me in the Holspital and spun me out into depression and thoughts of suiside I was once again put on Effexor along with two other medications for mania and bipolar disorder. I LISENED to the doctorsr and believed that this will make me better. It did at the beginning but each time I felt like it was starting not to work I had my doc give me a higher dose. I am now on 150 dose and have lost the energy, passion and life. I feel numb always and that is why i can not be on it any more. I have been addicted to cocain for years but have been clean for the last year. I can say that coming off of Effexor is 100% worst that cocain. If this drug has such bad side effects when taken out off the body, HOW GOOD can it be for your body in the long run. If you can find other ways to help your condition you should cause this drug will change your life. I would rather have days when I feel down and have the support of loved ones to get me through it than to have Effexor be my friend. It is addictive and makes your life numbing.

Posted: 2008-10-13 14:39:54

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hello,
I was just reading about your troubles trying to get your meds you need. My partner had
the same problem before she got insurance. She is telling me to tell you to find out the
company that makes the Effexor. Call them and explain your problem. They probably will
be able to give your samples. You will need to contact the Dr's office to see who the sales
Rep is. When you talk to the Company that makes these they will need to know who the Rep
is so they can make sure he carries these samples for you. This is what my partner had
to do to get ALL of her meds she needed. The Dr's office could do this for you. It would make
it easier if they called and explained your situation. But if they wont..... Take it into your own
hands and do it yourself. Or......... You could go to your local Mental Health Services. They
will give you all the Meds like that for free. She had to do that before we heard about contacting
the MEDS Company. I hope this info helps. If you need any other help,
Please send me a email to my personal email address..... Shehsmyhrt@Aol.com
Good Luck!

Posted: 2008-06-17 17:05:02

Answer/Reply:

You might try to get in touch with AstraZeneca or talk to your doctor to see if they offer any help with cost. I have had the ame problem - with NO INSURANCE, I do know that some drug companies have programs for those that cannot afford the medicine they need. I'll have insurance soon, Thank God!!

46 year old Female

Posted: 2008-06-17 21:20:33

Answer/Reply:

Effexor XR is a Wyeth drug, not Astra-Zeneca.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2008-07-01 18:34:56

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

if your unable to get your meds becauce of cost. try needy meds.com they have a list of mfg. where you can aply for very low cost or fre depending on your income. but your dr must be willing to do a lil paper work to help you.

good luck

Posted: 2008-06-27 16:14:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

The drug companies in America have a rule that no drug can be made into a generic version until it has been on the market for ten years, Canada and Europe have no such rule and you can buy the generic version from Canada Pharmacy. com for about a hundred dollars for three months, thats what I do because I wont qualify for low income assistance but also my insurance wont pay for the drug. Canada Pharmacy has my order to me in a little under two weeks and my doctor writes the prescription for 90 tablets with three refills. I hope this helps

Posted: 2008-08-11 02:50:25

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I was placed on Prestiq by my doctor, who called it the answer to my problems. WOW was she WRONG!! Prestiq has some nasty side effects and is not as effective as Effexor XR. I was also blown away that the dosage was not adjustable. I don't know about you, but not everyone has the same grade of problems. Wythe has touted Prestiq as the latest and greatest of their SSRI line. It has only been on the market in the US since Feb. when it received its FDA approval. If you Google Prestiq info you can find several message boards that have lots of very different opinions on it.There again everyone has a different reaction to different drugs. I am now happily back on Effexor XR 150 and do not plan on changing.

Posted: 2008-08-13 21:41:21

Answer/Reply:

Hi, I wanted to pass along some information for those that can't afford Effexor, or for those who's insuance won't cover.
Contact the patient assistance program at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, for one year they filled my prescription, every 90 days free. Of course, I had to have an rx from my doc, and I had to qualify. In my case I was without any income or insurance. They will send you a form, fill it out, have it signed by your doc and submit. I feel very fortunate that they helped me out.
I hope the powers that be will let me post a phone number, 866-590-5885, Monday - Friday,
8am - 5pm central time.
I hope this helps someone, and I wish you well.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-20 21:28:37

Answer/Reply:

Do try to quit the drug slowly; I have experienced very strong emotional side effects when I stopped taking it once (I use it for migraines, not depression) and noticed a strong sense of "the blues" when not on it. Do see assistance from Wyeth or your doctor, as quitting this type of drug cold can have strong site effects!

43 year old Male

Posted: 2009-02-18 15:43:16

Answer/Reply:

When i did not have insurance, i got cards from companies that claim to help with the cost - not so much! Rite aid actually gave me a nice discount, almost 50%. Check with Phamacies and what they offer people with no medil/pharm insurance.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 16:18:59

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor---I cannot get it anymore from my Dr. as they are no longer getting samples. I cannot afford it so I have been pulling the capsuels apart and putting half on a teaspoon of applesauce to take and put the capsuel back together for another dose. I only do this about every other day or two days. This does extend the doses and gives me time to try and get money for another refill. I tried to tpaaer completely off but found myself in a real emotional mess. I am on a fixed income with my husband and do not qualify for most programs as I'm told I would be if we had one more person living in the home. WOW. 64 year female

Posted: 2009-02-19 11:09:31

Answer/Reply:

YES! My health ins plan changed this year, it is such bad insurance anyway, and I have to pay full price for my meds until I reach my 1500.00 deductible which I can not afford. I take Effexor, Lamictal, Clonazepam and other meds for other conditions. I see my DR Monday, 02.23.09 and will ask him to change my meds to ones that are on the $4.00 program at Wal Mart. I am also starting a new job on March 2nd that will have much better health ins, but have a 90 day waiting period. Hopefully I can find drugs on the $4.00 Wal Mart program that will get me through. I do not want to end up in the hospital again.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-19 20:14:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been on Effexor XR for about 3 years now. It too has helped me far more so than others I have been on for depression and anxiety. Yes, the price has gone up and my doctor cannot give me samples anymore either. I asked him why and he said it is going to go generic sometime this year. I tried to look it up online to see when it is suppost to go generic, but couldn't find enough info. You may want to ask your Dr. to see what he/she knows???? Let me know if you do find out more about it because I don't want to try any more new meds when I am happy with this Effexor I am on ...as you are.

Posted: 2009-02-23 21:01:28

Answer/Reply:

Effexor XR is now available in a generic so you might want to ask your pharmacist to switch yor prescription to that.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-02 10:42:00

Answer/Reply:

I started off on 300mg of Effexor about eight years ago after trying several other antidepressants which didn't work for me. My insurance co-pay is $80 for a 3-month supply. I thought that was expensive until I read your comment. If you have to stop this medication, try to do it gradually and with your doctor's direction. I had a very scary incident about five years ago when my mail-in subscription service didn't send the medication on time. I was totally out, and I had to go without the Effexor for about five days. I was a mental and physical wreck for lack of better words! I cried openly at work; I couldn't sleep, I was extremely dizzy, and I got the shakes. This incident scared me so much that I decided to try and get off the medication. Well, the reality is that I needed to stay on Effexor because it was helping me so much. Therefore, instead of stopping the medication I slowly weaned myself down to 75mg from 300mg. I've been on this low dose ever since. Whatever you end up doing, please don't ever stop taking this medication all at once! You have to wean it out of your system. Best wishes...

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-02 17:52:38

Answer/Reply:

I have read more than several posts here and I noticed that most people talk about the side effects when stopping antidepressants. Please, please only do this with your doctor's help. Stopping cold turkey is simply insane. I have been on several drugs to help with my depression and I don't think it matters which one you are on, you are simply going to have symptoms when stopping this kind of medication. One thing I will ask of those reading here is:
Do you associate fatigue and sleppiness as the same thing?
I often talk to my doctor about the worst side effect of Effexor being "tiredness." Then I realized that it's not really being "tired", it's being SLEEPY all the time. I can actually sleep away most of a Saturday.....now that it's summer (I'm a teacher) I am afraid I will sleep the summer away. Anyone else having this same problem - not body "tired".....just "sleepy." Would love to hear from you.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2008-06-03 16:16:18

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Effexor has side effects and the sleepy thing is one of them, every day I get really tired about a hour after I take my pill and want a nap badly, sometimes I combat this with a iced coffee but mostly I try to take my pill early in the morning and go back to bed for a couple of hours and then start my day normally at about eight am, working people might have a problem with this so maybe you can take your pill in the early evening, always ask your doctor about what is best, mornings work for me but maybe your doctor will suggest something better for your lifestyle. I hope this helps

Posted: 2008-08-11 02:56:53

Answer/Reply:

i'M NOT A GIRL,BUT YOUR STORY REALLY HIT HOME WITH ME. i'VE BEEN ON eFFEXOR FOR ABOUT 7 YEARS,JUST TRIED TO GET OFF OF IT BY TAKING it only every other day, but hell no!!!! I almost had to check into the physc. cntr!! but,IT WAS NICE TO HAVE MY LIBIDO BACK, if only for a day or two,ya know? I'm astonished at the difficulity involved in
trying to get off this drug. Unbelivable!
anyway, thanks for your story,sharing...always leaves alot of ripples,in the pond we call life,aye?

55 year old Male

Posted: 2008-05-31 01:47:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am a 21 year old male.
I have been experiencing high anxiety and depression for months now. I have never really complained about it before, but it has started to interfere with my school, my work. i have been reading these consumer reviews looking for a person my age.
everybody seems to be talking about its highly addictive affects and serious withdrawal syndromes. I am a very nervous about this. I mean i would rather be experiencing the anxiety and depression i have been for the past months then experience weight gain, decreased sex drive, innability to socialize properly.
I am trying to balance between positives and negatives. Can you help me out?
You may msg me by email markygrisim@hotmail.com

Posted: 2008-10-08 18:37:04