Effexor -- Increased Heart Rate

[AnxietyGuy1976]

I started Effexor XR about 4 days ago. So far it's been somewhat similar for the initial stage as other SSRI's, though maybe with a touch more anxiety. The last time I was on an SSRI (first time on an SNRI now), was a few months back.

I'm also taking .5mg of clonazepam, and 20mg of propanolol, along with the 75mg of Effexor XR. I take all of them once per day, in the morning when I wake up (my peak anxiety time).

This morning I noticed that my heartbeat was sitting at around 120bps while resting, for a few hours. It was uncomfortable mentally, and not usual.

Has anyone else experienced this when starting Effexor, and did it go away?

I've taken Lexapro in the past, and had no similar issue. I am going through increased anxiety times, in general, but nothing major.

I've seen that it's listed in the rare side effects category, but I've often found that side effects of SSRI's are underplayed in the test results, so I'm not sure I really need to be all that concerned. Of course, not having taken an SNRI before, I really can't be sure that I would have a similar reaction.

Thanks!

[AnxietyGuy1976]

Oh, I do have a murmur, so it's possible that it was a temporary arrhythmia; but since starting on the propanolol and clonazepam, my heart has been mostly like a nice slow metronome.

[AnxietyGuy1976]

Sorry to hear that the Lexapro caused issues. I had side effects, but primarily sexual disfunction, and difficulty urinating.

Depression is a more recent issue for me; primarily caused by my anxiety and swapping meds. I'm not sure I'm officially clinically depressed, but the benzo/beta-blocker combo has been taking a toll on my IQ (temporary, I assume), so I'm looking for a way out.

No coffee here either. I quit caffeine entirely about 10 years ago, and now I can barely have a Coke without feeling jumpy.

I haven't had any serious nausea from the Effexor XR, though I suppose my stomach felt a bit off at first. Nothing big. From what I've read, the XR version creates less nausea than the non-XR version; though I'm not sure which you took.

[29sillygirl]

It is early days yet.  When I took it first difficult symptom was nausea.  Cutting out coffee calmed that down.  My hands did shake the whole year I was on it.  Not noticeable except to my sister.  It has helped lots of people, and as you are taking clonazapam you will be fine.

A friend of mine is doing very well on Effexor: took 6 weeks for her to come out of her depression and start living her life again.   We agree: she will never stop taking it.  

Systems are all different, but you know you have to give body time to adjust to med.

BTW: Lexapro is one of meds I took until it caused serious diarrhea.  But it is a great antidepressant.  No question about it.  I have another friend who had to switch from it to Celexa and is not doing well on it.  

Insurance Companies call the shots, and she is stuck with a generic of Celexa: Lexapro not covered: pharmacutical company won't release for generic.  So it goes.