Has anyone tried Effexor

[trytosmile]

Hi everyone ...

My drr has just switched my medications and he now has me on Effexor XR also known as Venlafaxine.

Just wondering if anyone out there has been on this medication. I have a very hard time finding a balance of medications because of side effects. I've only been on it for a week now, I think, I've done nothing but sleep, what day is it ? Plus I've found retention when trying to void has increased.

Any stories on experiences appreciated.

Thanks
Jen

[Sarilou99]

I was on Effexor many years ago and did not enjoy the side effects. They did make me very sluggish and missing a dose was not pleasent. I also had the sexual side effects.
It did not work for me, but I have yet to find one that does.
Just be sure to talk to your doctor if you wish to discontinue the medication because it has to be done in a step down manner.

[trytosmile]

Thanks for your input.

I'm not so sure it is going to be the drug for me either. I find I feel even more anxious and I have NO appetite at all. Retention is getting worse too. He only has me on it for one month and there was no talk of a step down process. I have another appt with him next week so will discuss with him at that time.

[Sarilou99]

I know what you mean. When I was on this last try of Wellbutrin, it made me edgy and "skin crawley". Not to mention loss of appetite and long sleep hours.
Most definetely talk to your doctor about stepping down [reducing the dose over a period of time so that your body can adjust] from the medication (or any other antidepressant) as you discontinue it. If you are interested in some of the side effects from getting off effexor, you can 'google' it. I was stupid and did not do this, but didn't know that there was the proper way to go about.
Hope you feel better after talking to your doctor.

[mary124]

I'm on a very low dosage of it, (37.5) for hot flashes. Been on it for a year. Don't have any side effects.

[trytosmile]

I am on 37.5 mg too and I'm getting every side effect listed and more. Amazing how one drug can effect people so differently. I had to get another RX filled last night and chatted with my pharmasist about it. He got out one of his drug books and it lists 5 different studies for each drug. In one study 2% of the people taking the drug did report bladder retention. Lucky me, I'm one of them. He suspects that the jitters are from this one as well and not the sleeping pill I'm taking too.

Back to doctor next Wednesday to discuss. Can't live like this that is for sure.

[armslee]

I too have take Effexor. It really depends on what type of symptoms you are trying treat as to which antidepressant may work best.

I am currently on Lexapro which works wonders for anxiety! I haven't noticed any untolerable side effects.

Definetly contact your physician and discuss these things with him/her if you have been on a drug for more than 6 weeks and you are feeling no better or worse.

Best of luck and please let me know if I can be of further help!

[DONUTGRAM]

I have been on Effexor for about 6 months....I find it works better than anything else I have ever taken.At least I can stand my poor husband of 46 years(who treats me like a queen even when I'm so nasty).When I was on other things all he had to do was walk in the door and I would want to slap him.

The only problem I have found is that if I somehow forget to take it(heaven help us all)I get a headache.

Hope everyone has a nice 4th of July.

Bobbie....aka Donutgram

[ABliske]

Jen, how are you doing? Are you still on it? I had no appetitie when I first started taking it and then that went away. I almost forgot about that. I am on it. I was doing well. I just switched from 2 pills twice a day to 1 75 mg. I have had horrible headaches the last couple days. I don't know for sure if they're from this, but I hope it headache goes away soon.