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Effexor XR vs. Lexapro

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Posted 6/6/2007 3:36 AM (GMT 0)

I am currently taking 75 mg of Effexor XR and was also just diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and put on meds for that.  I was reading that Effexor can cause blood pressure to increase.  Has anyone else experienced this?  Also, has anyone switched from Effexor XR to Lexapro and if so, were the side effects/withdrawals minimal?  Anyone who has taken either of the two...which one do you prefer?  Any input would be highly appreciated!  I just had a baby 2 months ago and also have a 5 year old at home that I need to take care of and am feeling pretty crappy lately!  Thanks!!!

Sylkn

Posted 6/6/2007 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
Effexor can cause blood pressure and heart rate to increase but only on very high dosages. I was taking 225mg per day and my blood pressure was slightly raised from it so it was reduced to 150mg per day and I have been absolutley fine since the increase. I have been taking effexor for about 8 months and it has really suited me. Yes I had a few side effects the first couple of weeks but they soon went away and apart from the blip with my BP I have been fine. I took lexapro before effexor and it didnt really do anything for me but everyone does respond very differently to meds so dont let anyone elses experiences influence you what to do. Keep in touch, my email is available in my control panel.
Posted 6/6/2007 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
I took Lexapro. It worked really well for my anxiety but I had a rare side effect of inflamed sinuses so I had to come off it. I have been on Effexor - 75 mg for eighteen months. This has worked well too and my blood pressure has not been affected. As Victoria said, everyone is different and the only way you know is when you try it. Good luck.
Posted 6/6/2007 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have never taken Effexor but did try the Lexapro and thought it was working but as it turned out, nope, not even by maxing it out. Like Victoria said, everyone reacts different to meds.
I also have high BP which has never been bothered by the meds as I take med for that also and it came before the anxiety/depression.
I hope you find what works best for you.
Posted 6/6/2007 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input guys!  I am trying to decide whether or not to try Lexapro or stay on the Effexor and increase it.  I go back to the Dr. on June 11 so I will talk to her then!  Hope you are all doing well!

Sylkn

Posted 6/6/2007 11:22 PM (GMT 0)

you need to try effexor at your current dose or higher for about 4 to 6 weeks to see whether its going to work for you, lexapro is a different type which could then be tried if the effexor isnt helping

everyone reacts differently to antidepressant meds

i hope your BP meds are the beta blocker type as these are best for anxiety sufferers but sadly many docs dont think of this, they are all out of patent so not much advertised or promoted

Posted 6/7/2007 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Harry,

Thanks for your post.  My Dr. put me on Trandate for my blood pressure which I believe is a beta blocker as well.  I have been on Effexor for a while now, but only at 75 mg since I got pregnant and had my baby 2 months ago.  I don't know whether to increase it and have withdrawals if I should end up switching to Lexapro...why can't these decisions be easy!?

Sylkn

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