Effexor
Read and learn more about Effexor Medication.
Q: Effexor…?
If you’ve tried Effexor, what were (or are) you on it for and what’s your reaction to it? I know everyone has different results; I’m just looking for personal accounts of being on it. Thanks.
A: I spent three of my four years of high school on a wild goose chase for the right combination of medications to solve my depression and anxiety problems.
I’ve been on multiple drugs, and combinations of drugs and nothing worked until I began taking Effexor, along with Lamictal and Synthroid (for an unrelated disease.)
I personally love Effexor. For the first time in my life I feel that I can function as a normal human being.
But my problems stem much more from anxiety than depression and Effexor has been in a god send for a daily treatment of anxiety (it’s not like one can be doped up on Xanax 24/7.)
However, as was mentioned before, Effexor is notorious for causing severe withdrawal symptoms. I’m on 300 mg a day and if I miss my dose WITHIN HOURS I start to feel faint, irritable, and nauseous. If you take it regularly (which you’ll have to do to obtain a therapeutic range) missing a dose can be very, very painful.
Oh, and much to my boyfriends dismay, I have completely lost my sex drive. Completely.
But it seems to me that everyone has a different reaction to different medications. Even people with the same symptoms will respond with night and day differences to the same medication. Unfortunately, it’s just a matter of testing different options (slowly and carefully) and eventually finding what works for you. It took me years to do, but the way I feel now makes it all worth while.
Best of luck!
Q: effexor………………….?
my doctor decided 2 months ago to have me take effexor with my lithium well he wants me me on another antidepressant to help because he doesnt think the effexor is working…well he had me take the 150 for week 1,75 mg for week 2, and cold turkey week 3 and the first day i was dizzy all day. well i called him and he called me in 37 mg…how long does it take to wean off of this med with out feeling bad
A: Please don’t go off of it all at once. I tried after taking it for two years and was so sick with chills and cold sweats, headaches and nausea. You should adjust to the smaller dose soon and be completely weened from it in couple of weeks. Or you can try what I did, I skipped to taking it only every other day and then a few weeks later, every 3 days and on and on until I was without it for two weeks. Though it’s been 9 months since my last dosage, I still find myself craving that “Effexor makes the pain tolerable” feeling.
Q: What is the difference between Effexor and Wellbutrin?
I am switching to Wellbutrin after Effexor has been ineffective; my pharmicist said that they work on different receptors (serotonin and norepinephrin vs dopamine). How else are they different? If the Effexor didn’t work, but the Wellbutrin does, does that mean that my depression is being caused by a deficiency in dopamine?
A: Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitor)
Wellbutrin is a DNRI (Dopamine/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)
Rather than a deficiency, view it as though the neurotransmitters are being used up too fast or not staying in place long enough. The medication keeps them in place longer & staying between the synapses (spaces) between neurons (the cells that transmit & receive the neurotransmitters). In depression that’s where the chemical “fall aside vs. reaching the next neuron.
So, according to your question, it would mean your depression is being caused by a misfiring of dopamine & norepinephrine.
However, the choice of medications is not that simple. They each have different effects in different people even if they are working on the same neurotransmitter (serotonin, norepinephrene, dopamine).
Sometimes, that’s why choice of medication is by trial & error.
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/MH/00068.html
Good luck
Q: What is the difference between cymbalta and effexor xr?
I’ve taken both and they both seem about the same. Anyone taken both (remember, effexor xr, not the regular effexor)? Not at the same time. Any differences in weight gain? Sexual side effects? Insomnia? Headaches? Energy? Tiredness? Etc?
A: I’m currently taking both Cymbalta, and Effexor XR.
I’ve been take Effexor XR for quite a while, but then it felt like it wasn’t working as well, so I was put on Cymbalta. Because I’m on other medications (BuSpar, and Topamax), I’m not sure which meds cause which side effects. I am often sleepy though, it doesn’t interfere with my day-to-day life.
Q: Does effexor have adverse effects on your mood when drinking?
I have been on other anti-depressants before I started taking Effexor (75mg) but have never had a problem with anger or crying hysterically after a couple of drinks like I have been doing on Effexor. Has anyone else had these problems on this medication? Do you think that it is something else or the meds? It’s as if a switch flips on and all of a sudden I blow up at my boyfriend. I take things out on him for no reason at all but only when I am drinking. I really think it is the medication but I would like to see if there is anyone else out there that has experienced these feelings on Effexor.
A: Do Not mix alcohol with these physiological drugs.
You never know what the repercussions will be.
Q: How long do the side effects of effexor last?
I have general anxiety disorder and started me on lexapro over a year ago. I had trouble climaxing during sex so she switched me to celexa then prozac. All SSRI’s give me the same side effects so she put me on wellbutrin which I’ve been on for a while because I was tired of switching but it only helped a little. My new doctor added effexor w/ the wellbutrin. I’m having the sexual side effect, nausea, and headaches after 2-3 weeks from starting it. She said I didn’t give it long enough. So, how long will it take for these effects to go away or should I ask for something else? I do like the med a lot for anxiety but hate the side effects. I just feel like I’m running out of options.
A: hey i am currently on effexor and yes its really a b itch. its a tradeoff at do you want sex…or no anxietty? i tried many meds and effexor actually has the least amount of sexual interfering side effect, but its still very significant. im not big on sex so its kewl for me…id recommend seeing your doctor
Q: What is the difference between Zoloft and Effexor?
I know they are both anti-depressants, but what are some differences between Zoloft and Effexor XR? Do they treat exactly the same thing? Is one more effective than the other?
Thank you.
A: effexor affects two brain chemicals(serotonin and norepinephrine); zoloft affects just one (serotonin).
both can cause some crazy symptoms, so be well informed about these drugs. i know for sure that a lot of people on venlafaxine can have debilitating withdrawl symptoms if they forget a dose.
in contrast, cocaine affects serotonin and norepinephrine. so cocaine would be the most effective, but it is not exactly legal is it??
Q: I have been taking 150mg effexor XR for about a year and just switched over to celexa should i taper off?
Taper off the effexor before starting the celexa. My doc says since i am on such a low dose of effexor, 150mg/day, it is my choice, but i really would like to get the celexa started.
A: I was on celexa and switched to effexor. Celexa is horrible. My psychiatrist says it’s the worst antidepressant made. He said if you do go that route take the newer version “lexapro” which is a modified version of celexa. He said that to take a dosage large enough to be effective it causes hell on your stomach.
Effexor was a life changer for me. However if you must switch Effexor has horrible side effects when you stop. Crazy dreams, brain zaps, nausea, migraines. Taper off VERY slow or you will be VERY sorry
Q: What is the best time to take Effexor 150mg? I already have trouble sleeping, any major side effects?
I have been taking effexor 75mg for 2 months and the Dr. recently upped my dosage. I am worried about possible side effects and it adding to my already present issues with insomnia.
A: I have insomnia and depression and my doctor put me on Lexapro. I take it first thing in the morning (90% of meds out there have the reverse side effects on me) and then I have a better chance of getting some sleep later that night.
Good luck!
Q: How does effexor affect your relationships?
Have your relationships been improved, diminshed because of effexor? I hear this is a great drug for depression but i am cautious.
A: I have taken it before and I didn’t have any problems while on it. I know some depression medications can lower your sex drive, but that didn’t happen with me. But it doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen to you. Our body chemistry’s are all so different from each other. Drugs affect us all in different ways. With medication it’s more of a trial and error thing. You have to keep trying until you find one that works for you.
Good luck and God bless.
Q: What are the harmful effects of mixing effexor xr and abilify with marijuana?
I’ve been so exhausted lately…having day time tiredness and difficulty making it through class and i think it has something to do with the experimentation i tried last weekend. I have been on 7 mg of abilify, 75 mg of effexor xr for about 4 months now and smoked some marijuana. I have also been taking cola syrup (supplement) for anxiety. But now i cant stay awake or focus in class! What’s going on…somebody who knows tell me.
A: Abilify can make you tired, pot definitely does.
Don’t quit taking you meds, though !
Q: What are the side effects of taking Effexor during heat waves?
If somone was on anti-depressants and there’s extreme heat alert & smog outside, should the person stay in cool places?
What are some of the best suggestions for someone who is on Effexor?
Kind replies please, and thanks!
Uuuuh I had no idea that Effexor can cause a lot of sweats?….Waiting for more comments from other folks…
A: One of the side effects of Effexor is sweating. Be sure to drink plenty of water, try not to get over exerted, don’t drink tea, caffeinated sodas or coffee, as these are diuretics, you are trying to avoid becoming dehydrated. If you are sweating a lot you could be depleting you potassium, eat a banana or use a potassium supplement.
During a extreme heat alert, everyone needs to be careful, especially those on medications such as antidepressants, diuretics and blood pressure meds.
Q: What is the difference between Cymbalta and Effexor XR?
I’ve taken both and they both seem about the same. Anyone taken both (remember, effexor xr, not the regular effexor)? Not at the same time. Any differences in weight gain? Sexual side effects? Insomnia? Headaches? Energy? Tiredness? Etc?
A: I’m not sure, but I do know that effexor is one of the worst meds to try and get off of so I would suggest stick with the cymbalta.
Q: is it possible to take effexor and not have any sexual side effects?
I used to take celexa and never had an orgasm while i was on it. Now i am trying out effexor. Im on my second day. Is it possible to not have any sexual side effects? Does any one know of any anti depression drugs besides wellbutrin that doesnt or have very low possibilities of sexual side effects?
A: The only person who can answer this question is your psychiatrist (and you should have one if you are taking depression medication).
I currently take Effexor and it does cause some sexual side effects. Some being low sex drive, long time to experience orgasm, little or no feeling when with your partner, not as much “excitement” during foreplay and during intercourse. This drug “dulls” the senses – in mind as well as physically.
I don’t know of any depression medication that has any less intrusive side effects, but your psychiatrist will. He/she knows all the medications available and will prescribe something for you to try if these side effects do are noteably interfering in your life.
NOTE:
If your doctor recommends a drug called Paxil, DO NOT take it! As a patient you are allowed to refuse any medication that is legally reported as being defective. Please see below:
A class action lawsuit filed against SmithKline Beecham, the maker of Paxil, alleged that the drug company knew that Paxil was dangerous and ineffective when given to clients with mental illness, yet distributed it nation wide anyway. Although a first settlement was reached in 2006, that settlement was emphatically reopened at a recent hearing. The case is pending, awaiting clients who have imminent lawsuits to submit.
Q: What are the side effects of effexor when stopping the drug?
I am quitting Effexor and have been experiencing nausea, headaches, etc. Does anyone have any experience with this?
A: I’ve been off and on Effexor for about 9 years, it makes you feel like crap if you stop taking it. What you are experiencing is normal, sometimes you might feel like you have the flu even. I wasn’t completely okay until about 3 weeks after stopping it. Although it was only really bad for a week or so.
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