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Global Patient Feedback for Effexor (Venlafaxine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
What are the interactions of using Remeron and Effexor?
62 year old Female
Posted: 2008-04-17 14:28:55
Answer/Reply:
You should go to WWW.Iguard.org/ They pretty got it all ...good luck!
55 year old Male
Posted: 2008-05-31 01:52:44
Question/Comment:
I just started taking effexor xr for my SAD, but I am also on thyroid hormones, and wellbutrin......
I was wondering if any one has had the same side effects as I have, like a warm feeling around your heart, a somewhat faster heartbeat,light headed or dizzy feelings...Please let me know!!!!!
Thanks!
30 year old Female
Posted: 2008-04-09 16:57:05
Question/Comment:
I had migraines before I ever started taking effexor. I am taking it again ( stopped for 2 years and was taking Prozac) for my Fibromyalgia, and in spite of the side effects, it is the best drug I can get for that. I take it at night, due to the sleepiness, and it helps me to sleep, and I wake up with less pain than I did before taking it, it also has helped a lot with the depression associated with the pain.
I realize that it IS addictive, however, I will have Fibromyalgia for the rest of my life, and at this point in time the benefits to me of taking this drug FAR outweigh the side effects. I have tried so many different drugs for this and Effexor works the best of them all, but then I also have some pretty severe drug allergies, too.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-24 11:05:32
Question/Comment:
Effexor XR is the WORST Drug ever put on the market! Try to come off of it and you will wish you never has started it!
I am up to 225mg a day. I was given this drug when I was seeing a pain management dr for chronic back pain that was a mystery to the doctors. They gave me effexor and I cried and said I am not crazy and do not take meds unless I absolutely have to. THe doctor said all sweetly like, "honey, we know your not crazy, but your whole body is screaming pain, (which it was and still is at times now. Praise god for internal morphine pumps) everything you do is centered around pain. So we have to calm your mind. This drug works with the pain med to enhance it to make them work better.... once we calm the mind we can start calming the pain."
Ok, I bit...now 8 yrs later I am still on this nasty stuff and can't get off of it. THe brain zips if I don't take it on time like the other commentor posted is soooooooooo true! It sort of starts slowly zipping like you have this major flu in your head like dizziness...then ZAP!
My brother was on this stuff and he went cold turkey. He said he wanted to kill somebody it was so bad. But he did it. He got off, but it took a heck of a long time. He was not on it as long as I have been nor was his dose as high...like 75mg for him...
Why do they let them keep this stuff on the market? It is like this adictive drug that is worse than street drugs. Plus they lied about the effects when it first came out from what I researched. So nobody really knew about the side affects until it was too late.
Oh well, "To Old Too Soon, Too Wise Too Late"
Have a good one and good luck ya'll.
Female
51
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-21 08:16:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am a 31 year old fermale who has been taking Effexor xr, for 5 years I am now taking 150mg. The first year I took it it helped my depression alot, I felt really good, now I just take it to avoid withdrawl symptoms!! I wish I never started the particular antidepresent. I would recommend anyone who's Dr. tries to start them on it DON"T. This drug needs to be taken off the market it is horrible, I still suffer from depression, and I still take it but not because it helps, but because if I don't I can't even function the withdrtawl is horrible!!!
Posted: 2008-05-11 15:03:21
Question/Comment:
I am curious to see how many people that are taking Effexor suffer from Migraines. I never really had that many before taking this drug, but it seems over the last year or so (since starting effexor) I get the so severe I sometimes vomit and they are much more frequent (about 2 a week)?
I asked my psychiatric nurse if she has noticed a commonality with her patients on effexor and them having migraines. From what she remembers a lot of the patients on effexor get headaches and migraines....
IS EFFEXOR THE CAUSE?
HOW MANY OF YOU GET MIGRAINES AND ARE ON EFEXOR?
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-16 17:16:46
Answer/Reply:
I got on effexor XR but they werent the cause of my migraines.. just my 2c for your question :) I have had migraines since I had my 2nd daughter.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-17 11:49:04
Answer/Reply:
I never had migraines till I took Lexapro then Celexa.
Since I've been on effexor XL I haven't had any
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-24 15:42:34
Answer/Reply:
I was rx'd effexor for my migraines--they went from 3-4 a week to virtually none--1 in the last year.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-27 17:32:43
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
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Posted: 2009-03-15 08:50:49
Answer/Reply:
I was actually given this drug to help DPH (daily persistent headache) and my almost daily migraines. I know one of the side effects can be headaches, but I found that the drug really did help decrease the frequency and severity of mine. So, I guess I had the opposite results.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-04-21 14:43:38
Answer/Reply:
I have had migraines since I was about 14 y.o. My first one I can still remember. It lasted 4 days and I didn't tell anyone. I just figured it was one of those things. I never went to see a doctor or get treated for migraines until I was 31 y.o.
I take several medications with side effects of increased migraines. Effexor is one of them. Yes, I have had more migraines since I started taking Effexor. I have even had OCCULAR MIGRAINES. Talk about a weird experience and sensation.
Many, many medications, especially psychotropic meds, increase the chances of having more migraines on a more frequent basis.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-08 00:58:55
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I believe that the Effexor does/can cause headaches/migraines. I had suffered from frequent severe headaches (not migraines) for many years. Last year I was prescribed Topomax and they had all but disappeared. However, they came back in force during the short time I was on the Effexor.
Although, that was the least of my worries while I was on it - I had major side effects from the Effexor and had to get off of it after only 3 weeks. Then I had MAJOR withdrawals!! For a full week I couldn't barely move and when I had to (to go between the bathroom and bed), I practically wanted to die. It was absolutely miserable!!!
I realize that every medication works differently for every person, but now my doctor wants to start me on Cymbalta and Lyrica. I'm so nervous to try anything else at this point. I wouldn't wish what I just went through on my worst enemy! The side effects I had were: EXCESSIVE sweating, MAJOR gas, hair loss, tinnitus (phantom sounds in my ear), headaches, eating way too much - even when I was full, and having problems with sleep - either waking up every couple of hours or sleeping for 14-18 hours straight. The withdrawals I couldn't even describe, but they included an overall feeling of crap, kind of like the worst hangover of your life times ten, the worst nausea I've ever had, vomitting, dizziness/vertigo, and kindney stone-like back pain. It was essentially like having the worst flu ever combined with the worst hangover ever plus other stuff I can't even describe - and I was only on it for three weeks, one week at 37.5 mg per day and two weeks at 75 mg per day.
30 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-26 08:11:31
Answer/Reply:
I have headaches all the time,
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-28 18:09:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My daughter is on effexor xr and quit cold turkey-insurance won't pay. She has been having migraines also. Had them before but probably because she missed doses. I suspect the meds.Going to try Serelax.
Posted: 2008-11-04 19:45:56
Question/Comment:
Has any one taken Effexor XR and Maxalt for occasional (3-4 times per month) migrains? I have read there could be an serotonin syndrome problem, any one have any details? Thanks
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-15 00:46:36
Answer/Reply:
I am taking Effexor and also have migraines. I also take the Maxalt for my migraines. I have read that too, but don't have any details. Right now I am starting to lower my doses down so that i can stop taking the effexor since I have been on them for a year now.
37 year old Female
Posted: 2008-04-15 22:36:35
Question/Comment:
I recently went to the er because of heart palpitaions. After giving urine and blood, my urinalysis came back positive for PCP. I am a 45 year old grandmother with enough on my hands with bipolar disorder, I was horrified that I was being accused of using an illegal street drug and no one seemed to believe my denials. I went home in tears and tracked down an article from a hospital who had similar urinalysis results from a 45 yr. old female, a 52 year old female and an 81 yr. old male. Being suspicious that these did not seem to be typical street drug abusers that narrowed down to effexor being the only common drug these pts. had in common. They found out there was a sensitivity to the PCP antibodies from an element in effexor that showed up on a particular urine screening test. I faxed this article to the er dr. along w/my anger at being treated so badly. The dr. put a copy of the article in my file for future reference. I was so afraid of this happeneing again I stopped the drug and had a horrible enough time that I had to resume taking it. I'm not sure what to do now, but be aware that these prescription drugs can be sensitive to the antibodies used to screen for illlegal drugs in a clinical setting.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-12 19:10:01
Question/Comment:
To the 45 yr old female that responded on 02/12 to my post of 01/19 about my reactions when going off the Effexor. I had extreme dizziness to the point that I couldn't get out of bed, nausea and just felt generally very sick.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-29 19:33:36
Answer/Reply:
I completely understand that. When I tried going off Effexor, I thought I was dying. I had nausea, vomiting, vertigo, etc. It was absolutely horrible. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I believe in the drug details it states you can go off the medication without any side effects. That is completely wrong.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-05 23:19:27
Answer/Reply:
It takes a long time to get off of Effexor EX but it can be done, carefully. I know, I did it. The drug can drive you crazy!!!
70 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-10 15:47:58
Answer/Reply:
In the packaging they tell you there will be "side effects and withdrawal symptoms" if you go off it" when I changed (tried) from regular effexor to wellbutrin. THAT really was NO fun.. I had zinging electric shocks goign through my body the whole 3 days and jumpy as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.. welllbutrin did not work, and the doctor put my back on effexor, but effexor XR this time. Even on days when I forget to take my medicine on time, later in the day I can feel the "zings" telling me that I forgot to take it.. Dont know if anyone else has this effect.. when they are late taking their effexor.. but once on it, it seems like you are stuck on it.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-17 11:53:12
Answer/Reply:
I find that any time I miss a dose, I get those electric zings going off. They are horrible. The drug is very addictive because of that. It helps me with my depression and anxiety, but does have side effects for me including a serious problem with ED.
62 year old Male
Posted: 2008-05-19 23:32:34
Question/Comment:
adefovir, cidofovir, FK506, Hepsera, Prograf, Rapamune, sirolimus, tacrolimus, tenofovir, Viread, Vistide,
Major interaction with Pentasa
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-29 16:31:17
Question/Comment:
Pentasa affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
Pentasa is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Pentasa is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-29 16:26:21
Question/Comment:
I discourage people from taking Effexor because of the side effects they can cause. I found that it gave me terrible anxiety out of the blue and also made me very violent not toward others but towards myself and objects. Coming off of this drug you have to be very careful and do it slower then a doctor will tell you to, to advoid allot of discomfort and mood swings and relaps into depression. Anyone that suffers from anxiety or panic disorder should not take this medication because this is what it causes.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-29 16:21:58
Answer/Reply:
every drug has different effects on different people. I take this medication for major depression, social anxiety, anxiety attacks and panic attacks and it causes me no side effects. I do agree however that if going of this medications it needs to be done at a very slow rate. A few hours after a missed dose can cause severe withdrawl symptoms- nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, confusion and irritability.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-16 17:02:20
Question/Comment:
What are NSAID drugs and can they be taken with Pentasa?
83 year old Male
Posted: 2008-02-27 15:12:59
Question/Comment:
I have been taking effexor xr for about 3 yrs, I take 150 mg a day. I initially was taking it for hot flashes, it helped after time a little bit, Then the Dr. told me it was also to treat my depression and it would also help me lose weight. I have experienced no side effects at all, and I haven't lost weight,also I notice no difference with my depression, seems the only thing it helped was my hot flashes.I also suffer from severe migraines, years ago I was taking elavil 150 mg at bedtime, it seemed to help to lessen the amount of headaches I had per week and also with my mood, I took fiorinol for pain and it worked very well, but my new Dr. tells me that the effexor xr is better than the elavil,, how can that be when I don't see or feel any improvement or changes? It feels like I'm taking a placebo? Does anyone have a similar situation or a comment to this please?
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-20 06:58:16
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Effexor XR for about the same amount of time, and the same dosage. I also feel like I'm taking a placebo at times. The only thing I can tell you about my experience is, if I stop taking it I cry a lot and get dizzy, so I guess it helps somewhat...I haven't found anything better, and I've been through a lot of anti-depressants! I've never lost weight with it either.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-20 14:53:29
Answer/Reply:
I also have not lost weight taking this. I was on something else which made me gain weight (about 1yr ago) so the doctor switched me to Effexor, I'm now at 225mg a day. I haven't gained any weight but I haven't lost any either.
I know what you mean about the placebo aspect. I find after about 3months of the same dosage it has to be upped because it's almost like it isn't having an effect on me anymore. But once it is upped I notice it again. I have heard this is a warning sign of possible Bipolar, when your meds work at first then wear off and they have to be upped to work again.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-16 17:08:49
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
where did you hear that when the dosage has to be increased to maintain effectiveness, it is a sign that you may be bipolar?
Posted: 2008-11-06 16:40:20
Question/Comment:
Has anyone taken benadryl with effexor? I have been taking effexor 75mg for one year, and have been taking benadryl for mild insomnia for a couple of weeks. Just wondering if anyone else has tried this?
27 year old Male
Posted: 2008-02-05 21:16:00
Answer/Reply:
yes I have but only when I had a cold or allergy no known adverse effects just rested well.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-09 23:09:58
Question/Comment:
I am currently taking Keppra (2000mg BID) and may begin taking Effexor. Are there any known drug interactions with these two meds. I am always cautious because of the high dosage of Keppra I am currently on.
36 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-26 12:21:30
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Keppra and Effexor can have additive respiratory and central nervous system side-effects, warranting caution when these products are used together - particularly in elderly or very sick patients.
Posted: 2008-02-05 16:33:09
Question/Comment:
I suffer from migraines and I take effexor daily. Just found out from walgreens that there is a very high risk of central nervous system toxicity (and serotonin syndrome) if you take Imitrex and Effexor together.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-22 15:48:26
Question/Comment:
I was taking 150 mg Effexor once a day for about 9 months. While on it I would frequently have periods when I felt light headed and like I was going to faint as well as I would get tingling in my arms and legs. These symptoms got to the point that my Doctor had me taking my blood pressure and checking my blood sugar levels when these symptoms appeared. My blood pressure was slightly elevated but my blood sugars were fine. We did not realize that these were side effects until I went off the Effexor and the symptoms dissappeared. Also, when I went off the Effexor, even though my doctor gradually reduced the dosage to get off it by reducing it by half per week I went through severe withdrawl symptoms during the last week on it and for a week after going off it completely.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-19 14:37:30
Answer/Reply:
I am on 300 mg of effexor xr. I tried to cut in half one day and thought I was going to die. I have tried to cut my colopin intake which I only take the lowest dosage as it is, and had the same side effects. SICK. Were your side effects nausea, irritation, dizziness, accelerated depression?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-12 20:29:26
Question/Comment:
I currently take Effexor XR and Nexium. I want to take Natrol 5-HTP 50 mg. Will this dietary supplement cause interactions with my prescription medication?
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-19 11:27:32
Question/Comment:
Are there interactions of effexor xr and hydrochlorthiazide, can you split 37.5 capsule 18.5 to start effexor to keep at low dose
46 year old Male
Posted: 2008-01-10 11:51:35
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Effexor and hydroxhlorothiazide may interact to increase the effect of both products. If you're using these products together, it is important that you and your doctor watch to keep your dose of each product under control. In general, you should not split capsules for a number of important reasons, including the fact that the coating ensures your medication is properly absorbed.
Posted: 2008-01-15 13:13:49
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Wellbutrin and Effexor for at least 2 years in large doses (Effexor 375mg/d and Wellbutrin 450mg/d) with no side effects that I know of. However, iGuard has classified these drugs have a high rating for the possibility of drug interaction. For me, the benefit has far outweighed the risk but I'd like to know if others have sucessfully taken this combo. Thanks.
69 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-03 04:25:12
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Wellbutrin and Effexor for 8 years (Effexor 250mg/d and Wellbutrin 450mg/d with no side effects. I have an excellent doctor and he doesn't seem to think there is a problem with the combination. I have neurocardiogenic syncope and this combination of pill has worked wonderfully for me.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-30 11:36:28
Answer/Reply:
I take Effexor XR in the morningn and Wellbutrin at night and the combo is working well. I was on Effexor only for years; just added the Wellbutrin about 9 months ago as I started to get sad about my daughter going to college.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-02-18 17:51:01
Question/Comment:
What are the interaction side effects of effexor and prozac?
42 year old Male
Posted: 2008-01-02 12:12:18
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
The combination of effexor and prozac can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but very serious condition that can begin with high temperature, palpitations, sweating and quickly become life threatening.
Posted: 2008-01-15 17:11:16
Question/Comment:
What are the contraindications of Effexor-XR when taken with Trazodone?
49 year old Female
Posted: 2007-12-24 10:41:59
Answer/Reply:
I am taking both Medication and have found that the trazadone really interacts with the Effexor. They both are anti depression medication, except the trazadone has a sleeping aide in it. I still have to take it but do not at times cause I do not like the way it makes me feel.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-01-14 06:18:44
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