new new member question about Effexor XL

hi to everyone,

Im looking for same advice please, My doctor has put me on Effexor xl for anxiety and depression, ok im ot depressed only about my anxiety,

the problem im having is , so many people and not just on this forum but all over the net are having a bad time with Effexor, is it realy that bad? are there other meds that are beeter, one of the main things that i hear is weight gain, 10-60lbs avrg. that is just to much, and tiredness the list is endless, not one person who has taken the meds as said works a treat, any advise would really help, my anxiety is not that bad, and im fine in every day life. hope i havent be to general. and i have not been on any meds before that is another reason i thought effexor was the last thing to use.

many thanks...

Hello Mungo,

Welcome to HealingWell and the A & P Forum.

Effexor is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs).

Effexor is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Effexor should be taken with food.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Effexor

The side effects that are more likely to occur are:

drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or anxiety;

dry mouth, increased sweating;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

headache, blurred vision;

tremor or chills; or

changes in appetite or weight.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

I have heard many people do well on this medication.  If your concerned please feel comfortable discussing the side effects with your Physician.

Again a warm welcome

Kitt

Hi everyone thank you for responding,  i will be talking to my Doctor later this week i just feel that effexor is a very strong med as this is my first time. in the Doctors own words i will try you on this onr first.... and i wont be startng to take any meds untill next week.. i will post and let everyone know how i get on.

 once again thank you for responding

many thanks mungo..

I just came off effexor after 6 years, it was extremely hard but it is day 14 and things are okay. I would suggest no one take this med.

I took Effexor in the past and it helped me SOOOOO much!!!! I felt "normal" for once! I weaned off very carefully and did not have any difficulty. My doctor gave me specific dosing schedules to wean, like taking one every other day, etc.

Due to a resurgence of bad anxiety and panic, I started taking Effexor XR again about a month ago. I already feel 10 times better than I did last month. I'm doing a combination of things to help with my anxiety and panic, not just meds, but see a big difference already.

I am not one who likes relying on meds, but my thought is this... I would rather take a pill and deal with a few initial side effects than live in the hell that I was living in with terrifying attacks. That's just me though.

Good luck in your decision!

I started effexor in June first at 75mg then 150mg a month later. Some days I didn't feel like eating anything on it then other days I would eat constantly, but I lost 24 pounds in two months. I also found myself more jittery, I couldn't seem to sit still longer than 45 minutes. I had to constantly be doing something. This month my dr changed me to zoloft and I have found myself able to sit down more and taking the xanax a lot less.

I was irritable for about 4-7 days when I stopped taking it(although my kids may say it seemed longer lol) and started the zoloft.

Although this med did not work with me I would not discourage anyone from trying it however do not be afraid to tell your dr how it makes you feel good or bad.

I have spoke with a good friend of mine, and she had the same problems with Effexor, which she took about 10 years along with other AD. and is still getting brain zips every now and then.
so ill up date tomorrow after my Dr appointment, thanks to everyone who has posted.
also i have found out that effexor does not interact with nicotine very well, and being a smoker of and on could cause problems.

Regard to everyone

Mungo.

Effexor is not bad while you are on it, but getting off of it is horrible. I would avoid this med if at all possible.

Hi Mungo.  I have been on Effexor (small dose - 75 mg) for four years and I intend to stay on it for life.  I was put on the drug after my other antidepressant stopped working after seven years.  For me Effexor has literally been a life saver.  My anxiety was so bad before I just lay on the couch, couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, didn't want to live.  Now I feel normal..... and how precious that is.  My side effects are sweating more and some weight gain.  That is NOTHING to getting back to work and living life to the full again.  Effexor is a strong drug and it is a strange choice to try you on first time but I have found doctors get their "favourite" drugs and like to try it with everyone if they get good results.  When I first started taking it I felt a little nauseous and a bit "wired", as if I'd had lots of caffeine, but after a week both these side effects disappeared. 

I wish you all the luck in the world.