antidepressant side effects

  I WAS RECENTLY PLACED ON EFFEXOR.  AFTER 3 WEEKS, THE DOSE WAS INCREASED TO 150 MG. QD.  I HAD ONLY MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS UNTIL REACHING THIS DOSE.  AFTER 4 DAYS, I HAD VISION ABNORMALITIES, NUMBNESS AND TINGLING IN ARMS, EPISTAXIS, AND COMPLETE TASTE LOSS.  I DISCONTINUED THE DRUG ON THE FOURTH DAY AFTER FAINTING FROM EXTREMELY LOW BLOOD PRESSURE.  I HAVE BEEN OFF EFFEXOR FOR THREE DAYS NOW.  I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED SIDE EFFECTS AS WELL AS A RASH AND ARTHRALGIA AND MYALGIA EFFECTING MY WHOLE BODY, MAKING ANY MOVEMENTS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. I ALSO HAVE JOINT SWELLING IN MY HANDS.  HAS ANYONE ELSE EVER EXPERIENCED THESE SYMPTOMS?
Dear Peggy,
Side effects that have been reported after the use of effexor include vision changes (blurred 6%), rare neuropathy, rare taste loss, postural hypotension (1%),and  rare arthralgias. Epistaxis was not listed as a specific side affects, however, the medication does alter some of the blood factors that may cause bleeding.  I recommed checking a cbc to follow those parameters.  I do  not know the length of time that should pass before resolution of symptoms.  Discuss this information with your doctor.  Good Luck.