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Questions and Answers

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.

Popeye replied: "a doctor advice is better..."

Patientsville P replied: "try here:"

wylde4guitar92 replied: "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"

How to distinguish between leukemia and Effexor XR side effects? I have several side effects of Effexor XR which coincide with symptoms of leukemia. Namely leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy, headaches every day, fatigue and night sweats. Is there any way to know which is the culprit? I'm 27 and on birth control, so menopause isn't likely to be causing the headaches or night sweats. Serious replies only, please.

Emma replied: "I am currently on Effexor XR and suffered from headaches and night sweats for the first few months of taking it. I have also suffered from extreme fatigue since i began taking them 6 months ago. Leukocytsis and lymphadenopathy are infrequent side effects to the drug, which means approximately 1 in 100 people will suffer these effects. It is extremely likely that effexor is the cause and not leukemia. Although you should probably go to the doctor if these symptoms continue and try a different anti-depressant."

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?

Starbright replied: "That is exactly how I feel and so does my sister when we miss a dose. It is a tough one to go without! I get so dizzy I can't hardly function! I think it is better to wean off of it, and that it is something you should ask your doctor about because it is very hard to stop taking them. Good luck!"

Cassie T replied: "Very common. Those drugs are chemically addictive. It will be much easier if you slowly taper down your dose, instead of stopping all at once. Your body is just a bit shocked. But either way, you'll be ok."

Nicole W replied: "I ran out of pills for 3days. And on the 3rd day... omg it was HELL. PLEASE taper off it! Dont quit cold turkey bc you will get sick!!!"

casinoreverend replied: "talk to your doctor... typically you will start a new medicine before stopping the previous one...get a therapeutic dose then taper down the effexor slowly. If taking the effexor XR , take the pill you are on for a week, then step the dose 75mg down to 37.5mg for a week then you can stop=ONLY with permission from your physician! or switch to the generic venlafaxine tablets, you can take them twice a day--split them in half to slowly taper down the dose... the nausea and headaches are causes from a serotonin withdrawal syndrome--its very common when abruptly stopping anti-depressants"

Nymphodora replied: "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."

Gard23 replied: "Withdrawal symptoms:"

Effexor Side effects? My doctor has put me on effexor. I am currently on 75 mil about to go up to 150 next week. I have horrible headaches and I feel like something is stuck in my throat. Do these side effects go away. I am particularly considered with the stuck in my throat feeling. I'm interested in people responding that are actually on effesor not ones that know about antidepressants in general

Danielle replied: "I'm on it now , i felt crappy when i first started stomach aches, head aches, it goes away i don't remember how long it took, maybe a week or two. Now i feel fine when i take it, but if you forget, omg i get sooooo sick. it's like the worst flu/hang over i ever had of sick. i tend to for get it once every few months and when i do i feel so sick. On the other hand i had horrible depression and anxiety and it is the only thing that works for my depression so it's worth it. oh and my doctor said drink lots of water while taking it to and be careful in the sun, though i never had a problem with that."

Experiencing Effexor side effects, should I stop taking? My psychiatrist prescribed effexor, I took my first pill about 2 hours ago and I started feeling weird 1-1.5 hours later. I felt dizzy and nauseous, and I got a pretty bad headache. The nausea was so bad I threw up a few times and was just now able to get away from the bathroom to get to my computer. My doctor wanted me to use the pill from now to friday to see what the side effects would be but I really don't want to eat another pill because I feel horrible right now,all those symptoms are still in effect. I cant reach her until friday either (my doc), what do you suggest I do? Should I continue taking the pills anyway? And is there anything I can do for relief at the moment? I did eat with it. I need to take it once in the AM and once at night, don't worry I'm following the instructions. I don't know if its because I threw up but its been 30 minutes and I'm feeling better (physically that is) No more nausea although my head still hurts, but then again it always hurts... Im pretty sure its not just in my mind, I have never gotten a placebo effect from anything, I'm actually quite skeptical about everything so often sort of the opposite of that happens to me. I've taken prozac before but it never made me feel like this has made me feel.

Lacey replied: "Take the pill with food. A cracker, milk, or any food. If you continue to feel this way after taking the medication with food, call your MD. In fact, I'd phone the MD in the morning and report your reactions of tonight. Why are you taking this in the evening? Didn't the directions say to take in the AM?"

blake replied: "I take the same medication... need to allow your body get used to the medication. remember it is to help you with your mind and help you with your problems..... Learn to relax, I say it is more your mind than the medication. continue to take the medication as per prescribed. .. read the book that should have came with the medication"

zipknitter replied: "I had the same reaction when I first started effexor and tried to tough it out for 3 days till I saw the doctor again and she chewed me up one side and down the other for waiting so long to tell her. She said that it is really important to let your doctor know when you have a bad reaction to a new medication so they can change it or have you stop it immediately if they need to. So, in the AM call the doctor's office and tell them what happened so they can give you advice about what to do next."

Nangivens replied: "Since you took your first, I'd say DON'T take any more untill you see your psychiatrist, and when you do see them tell them to either switch you to a different med, or try another type of therapy. There really isn't much you could do to take care of the side effects at the moment, just don't take any more effexor. Drink plenty of water and the nausea should pass soon. good luck to you"

effexor 75mg side effects and withdrawl? i stopped taking this horrible pill and now its day 2 and i feel crap. dizzy spells, nausea, headaches, chills, space out, hot cold, snapping. Is this right..anyone else?

liah_nige replied: "You can not just stop taking medication and effexor has to be slowly reduced with the knowledge of your Dr or you can get quite ill even if you are only on a low dose."

skttrbrain replied: "I used to take this drug and I felt the same. every symptoms."

Emma's mommy replied: "I know exactly how you feel. I was taking 300 Mg of Effexor daily and I decided to stop it cold turkey and the withdrawal side effects have been pure hell. I am currently on day 3 of having stopped it and I am absolutely going crazy. I am getting horrible headaches, I feel like I'm gettign little brain zaps or something, I am absolutely irritable and cranky and I heard that Effexor is probably the worst medication to stop.. and I believe it. I hope these withdrawal symptoms stop soon"

Effexor-xr side effects and taking during pregnancy? I have just started (like 2days ago) taking Effexor-xr 37.5mg once a day & I have noticed strange side effects. Feeling my pulse all over my body, skin feeling crawly, strange dreams, headaches, fogginess, unable to sleep, tingling in my hands & tiredness I want to be fixing my anxiety problem, but I can’t function in everyday life feeling the way I do. I understand my body has to get used to me taking the pills, but I would love to hear from anyone else who has or is taking Effexor-xr & if you had any side effects & did they go away after a short period of time? Also my husband & I would like to start trying for a family in the next month; my doctor assured me that Effexor-xr was the “safest” (if there can be one) of the anti-depressants. But looking online, I’ve found mixed comments & views. I want to do right for me, but I’m more concerned about the effects it will have on a baby. I’d love to hear from other people who have taken Effexor-xr through conception & birth.

cmeffa replied: "I would go to the website and ask someone how to wean off of this drug. Do not abruptly stop taking it. But I would look to getting you self off of it. The people at the website are victims of these destructive drugs. I hope this helps."

ChickPea replied: "cmeffa: great site!"

dontwanttofall replied: "I used to take this and i recommend getting off of it! I would get weird pulses through my body that felt like electrical chargers and when I came off of it I went through serious withdrawal! You should try something else and also I don't think its the best idea to be ingesting these things when you are wanting to start a family because you never know what it could do to your baby. Maybe you should try something that relieves anxiety only when absolutely necessary like klonopin or xanax. Good luck!"

hotvw1914cc replied: "Hi Elizabeth, I been on effexor xr since 2002. If theres any way possible get off this med. Most Drs. want give mental meds during pregancy. Effexor xr IS the worst antidepresant to stop. As others said you need to get off slowly. I'm gradually getting off myself. High blood pressure, memory loss , liver damage are some side effects. PLUS many other. E-mail me thru Y&A if you want. Jim in N.C."

Shawna M replied: "I currently take 300 mg of Effexor-XR daily. I started taking the medication 10 months ago. Per my doctor's instructions, I started on the lowest dose and doubled every week until I reached 300 mg. Like you, I had some odd side effects when I first started. They went away as the dosage increased and by my first follow up with the doctor, the side effects were gone. Unlike some other people I have encountered online, I have not gained weight or experienced any other side effects on my full dose. It completely helps my generalized anxiety, irritability, and minor depression. This being said, I agree with some of the other people who answered your questions by telling you to get off this medicine now! I use mail order to fill my prescription and one time it was late. I ran out and was forced to stop taking it for a week. It was one of the worst weeks of my life. I was extremely irritable. People at work constantly asked if I was doing okay because I did not seem like myself. After a couple of days, I could not sleep and when I did drift off had incredibly vivid nightmares. I experienced hot flashes and chills. I cried at the slightest upset - and by cried I mean sobbed uncontrollably for a long time. I do not know if I will ever be able to get off this medicine. I feel completely trapped. Unlike your doctor, my doctor (and three others that I have personally contacted) said that I should not take this medicine while trying to get pregnant, while pregnant, or while breastfeeding. They all agreed that the drug itself will pass to the baby and that the effects would not be positive. I am shocked and saddened that your doctor felt this was "the safest" of the anti-depressants. From my experience and discussions with doctors and friends, this is more like one of the worst anti-depressants for pregnancy. The doctors also all agreed that the withdrawal symptoms so common with this medicine would likely effect the baby after being born and separated from my bloodstream and likely between feedings if the medicine was passing through the breast milk (which none of them could tell me would happen or not with any certainly). They also agreed that withdrawal for a baby could be even worse than what happened to me, which as I said above was pretty horrible. I cannot even imagine putting a baby through that. Basically, I feel like I will never be able to have children. I am currently 30 if that makes this more real for you. I am trapped on this medicine and would never consider becoming pregnant while on it. As you are still on a low dose, I recommend calling your doctor and having a serious talk about staying on this while pregnant and about withdrawal. If your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, please find one who will - and fast. I am only answering in this way because I wish someone had been more honest with me before I progressed to 300 mg. My mental issues were not all that bad and I really would have preferred trying several other options before this medicine had I known what I know now. Part of me hopes someone who has been through this during conception and childbirth answers your question so that you will have more complete information. But part of me hopes that no one out there has had to deal with a baby "on" this medicine or withdrawing from it. Feel free to contact me directly."

psychgal1977 replied: "I have been taking Effexor for years. I want to be weaned off of this medication in the next six months so that we can start trying to conceive. I have had serious side effects on this medication. Withdrawal symptoms are horrible. It is absolutely not safe to take during pregnancy- I have no idea what your dr was thinking. The only psychotropic medication approved for use during pregnancy is Prozac. This is the only med that the psychiatrists I have worked for have prescribed. Email me if you want more details. Good luck"

Is this an Effexor side effect? I take 150 mg of Effexor. I have a daily headache, I am tired ALL the time (even with taking naps!), and I wake up in the mornings with puffy hands and now today I feel puffy ALL over and it's afternoon and hasn't gone away. I've also gained weight, about 10 lbs since September. Has anyone else experienced the puffiness? It feels like I'm filling with fluid, doctor said my hands feeling that way are from the way I sleep, I don't think he's right. Anyone else having headaches and the same Michelin man feeling? I hope, I would like to know I'm not alone!

Hassss A replied: "what's the active ingredient of effexor?"

Violet Pearl replied: "Effexor's Typical Side Effects: The usual for SSRIs and SNRIs - headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, sleepiness or insomnia, and diarrhea or constipation, weight gain, loss of libido and a host of other sexual dysfunctions. Most everything but the weight gain and sexual dysfunctions usually goes away within a couple of weeks. Although some women will notice that the sexual side effects will diminish above 200-225mg a day when the norepinephrine kicks in. Maybe. Effexor's Not So Common Side Effects: Increased or lowered blood pressure, sweating, farting, anorexia, twitching, shock-like sensations. Interesting Stuff Your Doctor Probably Won't Tell You: Few, if any doctors, will discuss the possibility that Effexor could become a permanent part of your life, whether you like the results of Effexor or not. Granted that is a very rare adverse effect, but it does happen. It's hard enough to get them to discuss SSRI discontinuation syndrome., let alone get them to admit that Effexor's symptoms are the absolute worst and the longest lasting of all serotonergic drugs. The discontinuation from Paxil is bad enough, it's much, much worse with Effexor ."

xXxlost.in.thoughtxXx replied: "The weight gain is normal, everything else sounds like an allergic reaction, see your doctor ASAP!"

cynical1963 replied: "I also experienced those same side effects. I decided to go off the effexor and had my doc switch me to something else. Then things got REALLY bad. Having electrical shock sensations was one of the side effects I experienced while weaning off it. Good luck."

ralexander replied: "All of these symptoms could actually be attributed to Effexor. Edema (swelling) is one of the possible side effects, as are headaches. Effexor is actually less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants and is actually more likely to cause weight loss. However, some people do still experience weight gain on this medication. Effexor is also one of the antidepressants that usually increases energy rather than making you tired. Again, though, it is possible, and people react differently to drugs. Therefore, you may want to reiterate to your doctor that you have had problems with edema since beginning Effexor and ask to switch to a different medication."

scottsherriand replied: "I took effexor for about a year, because I was told it had fewer side effects. Actually unfortunately, I had more bad side effects from effexor than any anti depressant anti anxiety drug. First, I did gain weight, and swelled alot. especially in the ankles and hands. I felt dizzy, head-achy, nausea, all the time. I decided to go off effexor because of the effects it was having on me. That too was an issue. I had terrible withdrawl symptoms. Absolutely terrible. I suggest you talk to your doctor about what is going on now, and if you decide to stop taking the medication, you do it only under your doctors supervision. Good Luck."

mark replied: "Next time you see your doctor tell him/her about your side effects and ask for Prozacs 20mg or celexia 20mg. Then inquire about trans cranial magnetic stimulation (there may be a long waiting list so see a psychiatrist to try and book an appointment. GPS' aren't allowed to book appointments) if it turns out your med resistant like a friend of mine and you might be one of the few who are med resistant"

Poetgirl76 replied: "It can definitely cause headaches, but I've never heard of it causing swelling like that. If I were you, I would insist that the doctor pay more attention to that problem. And whatever you do...do not go off of Effexor cold turkey."

Has anyone got anyhelp for someone coming off effexor? how to deal with the side effects.? I get horrendous headaches and feel really dizzy. Like a "shock" feeling. My doctor reduced them from 75mg to 37.5mg. every day for a monthor so then said to try one every other day for a month then every 2 days etc

Kerry L replied: "i came off effexor a few months ago - i think you need to see your GP for an accurate assessment. it sounds like you came off them too quick when you should've been weaned off them.. good luck!"

pacifia1977 replied: "I would suggest talking to your doctor. I too have been suffering from the effects of coming off of this medication. It is not because the doctor ordered me off of it more like I have been having a hard time paying for the drug. I have been suffering from nasea and light headedness. I wish you well."

NettieUK replied: "Hi, I do hope you are feeling a bitty better today? I hope you do not mind me asking but was it suggested that you come off of your tablets or is this a descision you have taken yourself. I ask this as you may feel that you ready to come of them but in fact this may not be the case. If you feel you cannot cope with the side effects of taking effexor, ask your doctor to recommend another SSRI such as Setraline which is a much kinder drug in respect of side effects whilst taking the drug. However, if you feel you are ready you to come off of antidepressants completley you should do this under strict medical supervision as the side effects can be horrendous and you should not go it alone. You start by gradually reducing the dosage, but this is something you must speak to your doctor about what reduced dosage you start with, each person is different and it depends on the strength of tablet you are on. It can take anything upto 3 months or even longer to come off, which may seem a long time to you, but it is the best way to do it I can assure you. Oh, I do hope you get the help and support you deserve from your doctor, and from friends and family. Try and take each day as it comes, the good with the bad. Perhaps not the right time to voice my own opinion about effexor but I think it ought to be banned and so do many other people judging by the comments to be found on the effexor forum group website. All the very best and here's to piece of mind and tranquility."

snowball666 replied: "if you came off self see Dr if the Dr knows go back and see him"

mad mitch replied: "I've been on and off it for years and never had any problems but it sounds to me that you've come off it too fast. Go back to your GP and get them to slow things down."

flowerspirit2000 replied: "EFFEXOR OUGHT TO BE BANNED ALONG WITH ALOT OF OTHER MEDICATIONS....MY SON STARTED ON THIS MED. FIVE YEARS AGO..A LOW DOSAGE AND IN TWO YEARS THE MGS. WERE DOUBLED...HE WAS NO BETTER OFF AND IN FACT TWICE AS BAD..IN ADDITION HE WOUND UP ON FOUR OTHER MEDS TO CONTROL THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS......WONDER DRUG.... HE WONDERED WHY HE TOOK IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.....IT MESSES UP YOUR BODY CHEMISTRY AND ALL OF THE SUBSEQUENT PRESCRIPTIONS WITH THEIR VARIOUS SIDE EFFECTS CRASHED TOGETHER.......HE THREW THEM ACROSS THE ROOM AND WENT OFF COLD TURKEY.....DOES NOT TAKE ANYTHING AT ALL AND LOOKS AND FEELS BETTER.... PHARMECEUTICALS HAVE CAUSED MORE PROBLEMS THAN THEY HAVE REMEDIED.....YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS AND GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONS WITHOUT THE MAGIC POPPERS....AS FAR AS HEADACHES YOU CAN TAKE TYLENOL OR EXTRA STRENGTH EXCEDRIN FOR AWHILE.....EAT A HEALTHY STYLE DIET....HE SAYS HE HAS NEVER FELT HEALTHIER NOW....AVOID THE TRIGGERS IN LIFE SITUATIONS AND THOUGHTS....GOOD AND KIND DAYS TO YOU."

mickjam replied: "Getting off Effexor was hard for me too. It's going to be tough, you can't change it, but there are things you can do. Your doctor should have prescribed you a drug to wean you off Effexor, it's too strong to quit cold turkey. I used Zoloft, and it worked. Start exercising and eat like you should. Those both helped me."

lindyloo l replied: "Sorry im kinda answering your Q with a Q.. I've been on Effoxor for about 5years now.I take the highest dose of 150mg twice a day.After reading some of your answers im beginning to think these tablets are dangerous. are they?"

cyberfantoosh replied: "I do not know."

cherokee woman replied: "go back to your dr and tell him what is going on. you are coming off them to fast"

GRAy replied: "little time left would you like me look up drug in the bnf for you if so give me an e-mail."

mrs. johnson replied: "Whatever you do, don't stop cold turkey. Many documented cases where people have committed suicide. Keep your Dr. informed constantly. He may have to make some adjustments with the dosage. Hang in there!"

Terminator replied: "Better don't use it, a proper meditation and Yoga can remove all ur probs"

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?

trixies_mama replied: "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."