EFFEXOR

Hi Mish,

I have been taking effexor for many years.  I have not experienced weight gain.  I take 150 mg in the morning and 225 mg in the evening. 

I have had no sexual side effects or anything that would want me to eat any more or any less.  It has worked well for me.  Though I am on the highest dose allowable.

I will warn you to never stop this medication without doctors help, you need to taper off slowly.  It is hard to go off of.  But it can be done if you go very SLOWLY. 

I have not had brain zaps or dizziness (escept when I tried to go off of it without doctors help).  It has been the medication that has helped me the most.  But I was told that I would be on it for the rest of my life.

I hope that this helps you.

hugs,  Karen

Good Morning Mish,

You are like me, anytime I have to start a med I want details upfront.

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

Side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

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.

Effexor is effective for many people but may take 2-6 weeks until improvement occurs. ^{Reference: The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs; 7th Edition.}
Good Luck
Kitt

mish,

Great attitude, I am proud of you and take a deep breath and enjoy every day of planning and the festivities leading up to your own special day.

I will be here anytime you need me.
Kitt

Wow, It's wierd to see so many people have had positive experiences on Effexor. When I took it for about 7 months, I had pretty bad side effects but they weren't bad enough for me to stop taking, I had to stop taking it because without insurance, I couldn't afford it. Coming off of effexor with doctors help is HORRIBLE. make sure when you come off of it the doctors help you slowly taper off of it, don't go cold turkey.

i am so scared i dont know what to do. 

thank you all for your input on this- i really appreciate all your help

Hi.  Just wanted to add my tuppenceworth (I'm from the UK!).  Effexor has given me my life back.  I have been taking it for two years 75 mg in the morning.  I had terrible insomnia before I was put on the drug and now I sleep very well.  I do have vivid dreams but they can be quite entertaining!  I put on 14 pounds in two years but I am sure because I was so delighted to be feeling well, I tucked into food  good and proper!  Now I am watching what I eat and have lost four pounds in the last month. 

As to plucking up courage to take it, I was terrible.... Lyn will remember!  It took me ages and only with all the help and encouragement of HW members.  I know it is scary but at the end of the day you will only know if it suits you by trying it.  There is no way round this.  You can listen to hundreds of people's experiences and opinions but all that really matters is how it affects YOU.  Frankly, I felt so ill that I had nothing to lose but I was still terrified.  I am so glad I did take the plunge - my life was transformed.

I wish you all the luck in the world.... and a wonderful wedding.