Effexor SR 150 side effects?

[Mooney]

I was first perscribed Effexor 75 in Aug. of 2001. I could honestly see no difference in the depression on this med. The doctor then suggested Paxil 20, eventually increased to 40 mg. Still lethargic and disinterested in life in general, I asked for something different and Zoloft 50 mg, twice a day was prescribed. I had an almost immediate reaction to this, a negative reaction, I became so dizzy I couldn't move my eyes from side to side (or in any direction) without horrible vertigo. So--I went back to Effexor SR, 150 mg. instead of 75, once a day. This seemed to do a wonderful job until recently. Again the dizziness is back, the moodiness, all the yucky stuff. I would like to discontinue this med. to cleanse my system--or should I continue to try different drugs? As I am a high school teacher, 50 years old, taking HRT for five years now, and expecting my first grandchild, I used to enjoy life so much. Now it is a chore to move about the room, read, think clearly, and speak intelligently. I'm asking for you suggestions as to what to do now, not a diagnosis. I have complete faith in my doctor, but would honestly like another opinion. Can you help me?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Cleansing your system is a good idea, but if the depression persists, you can start the effexor again or try a different type of antidepression drug, like wellbutrin.  Its not uncommon for a medication like this to stop working, and then work again after a brief respite of several weeks to a month.

[Mooney]

I appreciate your suggestion and, after first consulting with my doctor, I have decided to do just that. Wish me luck. It was recommended that I take the Effexor every other day for a week--then I could go off it totally. I pray this works well--I want my life back.

[all names taken]

Have you read any postings about coming off/on anti-depressant.I had a very similar experience as yours coming off, and will never again take anti-depressants. Be very sure your depression is worth all the trouble!

[Wandering Brain]

Okay, it looks like you've tried this sequence:
Effexor 75
Paxil 20-40
Zoloft 50
bam! problems
Effexor SR 150

I highly suspect the discontinuation of Paxil as the cause of your dizziness, etc.  Paxil has a very short half-life, and will cause many adverse effects on withdrawal.  In general, I would discourage its use when other SSRIs are available.  The "best" solution to Paxil withdrawal is Prozac.  Prozac has a very long half life, and should "take over" for Paxil, allowing you to stop the SSRIs (or just switch to Prozac).
Switching to Effexor should help the Paxil withdrawal, but 150 is a relatively low dosage.  A family doctor may not be comfortable or willing to prescribe a higher dose of Effexor, but it can be used up to 450mg or more.
Note that Effexor will give you withdrawals, but not nearly as bad as Paxil.
If you decide to stop any antidepressant, I highly recommend SLOWLY tapering the dosage.  If you're taking Effexor SR 150, for example, get a script for a smaller dosage capsule so you can taper more easily.

Best of luck, from one who has tried many.

[Nanzoo]

Not true, that last comment about Paxil being worse than Effexor with the discontinuation syndrome (what you're calling "withdrawal"), though it's likely in 2nd place.  Effexor is the worst; it's documented.  Flu-like symptoms begin as early as 24 hours after a missed dose and can last for weeks.  I came off Effexor too quickly--in just 2 weeks--after taking it for nearly 2 years and had symptoms for over a month that ran the gamut of flu-like to gastric reflux/esophageal irritation, fatigue, dizziness....  However, I'm back on it again after trying others AD's.  Just know that P-Docs don't always taper it down gradually enough when you want to stop!