Effexor XR 150

[PatriciaDale]

Could you please tell me if anyone else has numbness in their face, arms, legs, or hands while on Effexor XR 150?  I just started using the higher doseage about a month ago and have noticed all kinds of side effects, the above as well as a very stiff neck and tightness in the hands, along with a mild redness in the hands, spotted I would call it.  Also, I was diagnosed with severe Rheumoid Arthritis about 5 years ago after having a spinal tap.  I have NEVER had one side effect to having arthritis at all; I am active, I am a legal typist and never had pain at all before, now I have severe pain along with tingling and numbness.  My hands can not go flat on a desk anymore, they are so tight and can not put them straight down without pain or pressure.  Is anyone else getting these side effects?  As far as it helping, it has helped me tremendously, I am 55 years old, have a family history of mental illness, bipolar disorder in two brothers along with a mother who tried to commit suicide several years ago; a brother who had shock treatments; I was having too much stress in my life along with several operations in the last five years, a son who went through divorce, bankruptcy, problems with his two children, on and on, I could no longer handle these problems without some help.  I am blessed to have a wonderful caring and understanding husband though who is 100% supportive with me.  I have been back/forth hundreds of times to the Cleveland Clinic for neurological problems.  I'm settled down more now than I've been in years but I am experiencing all these side effects to something, I am only on CARDIZEM LA 180 for high blood pressure and ZANAFLEX 12 MG. at night for being tensed up from worrying all the time.  On top of everything else, my father had a massive stroke nearly 4 years ago and you have no idea what I had to deal with in that situation with a mother who knew nothing about nothing when it came to taking care of a home, bills, she does not drive, on and on and on and on.  We basically are there 3-5 times a week helping her and my father.  My father does not talk, but he's always in good spirits, he barely walks.  I deal with alot; but I could not deal with all of this without some kind of help.  I'm a Christian and this helps.  I'm just curious if anyone else experiences these signs being on Effexor XR 150.  Thank you for your time.

[HVAC]

Do you have the assistance of a doctor? It sounds hard.

Alex

[Lovey008]

Hi, I have been weaning off effexor (venlafaxine) for
2 months now. My hands and feet have been severely tingly and numb the entire time!!  I'm weaning very very slowly too! My equilibrium is off and I have muscle spasms. This is not fun at alllll I. Hoping it all goes away soon!! Don't know how much more I can take!!!!

[essdipity]

I know Effexor is an antidepressant but don't know what the XR150 kind does. However, there are a great many antidepressants on the market, and maybe another one would help you without causing such unpleasant effects. So why not ask your doctor to prescribe something else? All meds can be hit or miss for individuals, since we are all different. Read the paper insert that came with the Effexor about side effects, and talk with your doctor.

You are under an incredible amount of stress and my heart goes out to you. Keep your chin up, and keep on trying to find the right med. Just make sure your primary care doc knows about everything you're taking, and check with your pharmacist too. Some drug interactions can be dangerous.

The best of luck to you.  ess