Scared to take effexor

[M.W]

I have been taking celexa for about a month now.  I had side effect such as frequent biting down in my sleep, and yawning throughout the day, and light-headedness.  My doctor is switching me to effexor.  I have to start w/ 35.5 mg then gradually increase.  I have read some very disturbing side effects on the internet and I am afraid to take it.  I am supposed to start taking it tonight.  Should I not take it and go back to the dr.?  Or take a chance on those side effects???

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Celexa and Effexor are both effective and safe antidepressants. It is unfortunate that you developed the side effects that you described, from taking Celexa. Effexor may have side effects such as sweating, dizziness, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction. It may be helpful to review the possible benefits and risks of medications with your prescribing physician/psychiatrist, then make what you consider to be your best decision.

[PamD]

I take Effexor, and have had tremendous success with it.  I've never heard of the biting being a side effect of Effexor.  Why not give it a try and see what the side effects are FOR YOU?  Each chemical is a little different.  You will find the one that works for you, but you have to be willing to try them.  Good luck!

[Susan]

I have been on Effexor for a year now.  I have had no side effects at all.  The only problem I have had is if I miss a day of taking it, I have withdrawal symptoms and it feels awful.

Good luck!

[Missy]

Thank you for helping.  What I read was mainly withdrawal symptoms such as severe vomiting.  Also one of the side effect was sweating, which I already have a problem with.  The website said that this medicine was prescribed less than by 1% of psychiatrists on the web.  I was glad to hear that you two are doing well with it.  I think I will take my chances on it and try it out.  Thanks.  P.S.  Did it make you sweat or gain weight?

[PhD]

Missy, I'm already overweight, and though I have gained some weight, I don't attribute it to the Effexor.  I, too, have been blessed with a sweaty body (even when I was slender), and I don't think that has changed at all.

I've never been off the Effexor more than 2-3 days, and I've not noticed any withdrawal symptoms when I don't take it, except that I get really grouchy.

It's a fairly new medication from what I understand, and the only one that works on both norepinephrine and serotonin.  It's the fourth anti-depressant I've been on, and I am very happy with it.

Good luck in your search for the right medication.  I noticed a real difference after taking the 75 mg. dosage for about four days.  I eventually was moved to 150 and now 225 mgs. of Effexor, so don't be worried if it takes a while to get the dosage just right.  It's hard to be patient but the wait is worthwhile.  Mostly, just be very honest with your psychiatrist about your concerns.  Remember, you and he are partners in fighting this illness.

[Above not PhD but PamD (I work for a PhD]

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[Lou]

Had great success w/ effexor, it brought me back to where I was many years ago, it took me years to realize I was depressed. It worked wonders w/ no side effects that I noticed. But Insurance ran out now cant afford Doc. or Med. had to stop abrutly depression came back worse and was physicaly ill for some time , neusea, headaches, sensations of electrical jolts from the back of my neck to head, most have stopped now but still very depressed and plenty anxiety, not sure what to do now. Oh well .

[Marla]

I, too have been on effexor for some months. I find that it is very effective in dealing with the depression, but how do I get off this drug. When I miss a pill,(75mg.morn) i suffer dizzyness and feel really awful by the night time.  At night I have been prescribed 150mg. and wonder if I will ever be able to do withoout them. Another side-effect is sexual disfunction. I have no inclination at all and when I do make the effort I have absolutely no physical feelings.  Help !!

[dave]

Hi All. I have been taking 150mg Effexor SR for nearly two years. The major side effects have been sweating, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Sweating I have no answer for, Fatigue can be alleviated by timing when you take the med, I have found Viagra helpful for sexual stimulation.

[Suzanne]

I took effexor fx for about 5-6 years.  Coming off of it, I was in an acute crisis ctr. not cause of that but suicidal thoughts.  The doctor gave me other meds (remarin) to offset the withdrawals 3x's across the day but then I got switched to another dr. who changed the remarin to only at night.  I sorta got ripped off as this change put me in the position where I went a whole day without anything to help come off the effexor.  It was awful but I went through drug withdrawal from crack about 7 years ago and it was no where as bad as that.  Basically what I'm trying to say is that if you keep your sights on the final goal (getting off of the medicine and onto the right one, IT IS WORTH A COUPLE OF TOUGH DAYS)  Good luck.