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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Effexor XR
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Effexor XR
by Selena, Apr 12, 2000 12:00AM
I went to my doctor the other day to discuss my medication. I was on Wellbutrin but was very aggitated on it, constipation, cried easily, one day I was happy the next I was depressed. She put me on Effexor XR. I have been on it two days and I feel very groggy all day. I feel that I am not sleeping well either. Will this go away after I have been on this a couple weeks? I was also conerned about weight gain, I do not want to gain weight on this, I've read that some people have gained weight on Effexor. I used to be on Prozac too but never gained weight on that or Wellbutrin. The reason I didn't stay on Prozac is because of the sexual side effects and felt it wasn't helping me much either. I worry a lot and didn't feel that helped either. Does Effexor help with anxiety (worrying)? I was very constipated on Wellbutrin. Can this happen with Effexor too? I am going for blood tests to check my thyroid, liver, kidneys, blood in stool. Is Effexor a good anti-depressant. My doctor said most of her patients did well on it, I hope I do too. Thank you for listening and for anyone's advice.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Apr 14, 2000 12:00AM
Effexor is a safe and effective medication for treating both depression and anxiety. It may cause sedation, insomnia, weight gain, and constipation in some people. However, it is not uncommon for some side effects to resolve within 1-2 weeks. Discussing the possible benefits, risks, and side effects of medications with your doctor may help you make the best informed decision.
Member Comments (3)
by Anona, Apr 13, 2000 12:00AM
I have been on EffexorXR 150mg. for 6 months. It is a good antidepressant BUT I have gained alot of weight and when I don't take it (if I miss more than 2 days) I get sick. Nausea, headache but luckily no vomiting. I am going back to my Dr. this week and getting switched back to Prozac. I didn't have any side effects with it. Good Luck!!
by Anonymouse, Apr 13, 2000 12:00AM
I used to take effexor. I took it for a month and have NO appetite. I lost nearly 10 pounds. I also had an increased sex drive. I guess it works differently for different people. I went off of it because of appetite and it made me sweat and have body odor. To be honest, I hated it. But I have talked to several people who it has worked for. Good luck with it.
