Effexor XR
Effexor XR questions and answers
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Q: Effexor XR?
I've been on Effexor XR (150 mg a day) for approximately 6-8 months. I suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and bi-polar depression.
I am dependent on this drug and am trying to wean myself off them, and am considering getting off medications all together?
Opinions, thoughts, concerns or any suggestions?
A: I take Effexor and I have gone off of it in the past. There will be some withdraw issues, sort of like the symptoms you may have gotten when you forget to take a dose. A very common one is brain shocks where you feel like you have been hit by a jolt of electricity. Unpleasant. I had them for about a month when I went off of Effexor, and I did gradually lower the dose--it was not cold turkey. Best to ask your doctor to help you with this and expect some mild discomfort.
As far as going off all your meds. I have been there. I have schizoaffective and during rough times I have gone off my meds because I thought that they just weren't helping. Another option besides going without meds is to go to your doctor and tell him that they aren't working and you want to try something totally different. Try to think back to a time when you were doing better and remember what meds you you were taking then. Idealistic, I know, but things can get pretty dark if we just give up altogether. Anyways, all the best to you.
Q: Effexor Xr?
I take Effexor Xr 150 mgs per day. ufortunatley after having my child (3 mos ago) I am constantly forgetting to take it! I may usually only go 1 day without but I have weird reactions when missed. I feel like my mind slows down, and I have terrible nightmares. The kind where I can't wake myself up and when I get woken up I am covered in sweat and totally confused! Is this normal for missing a dose???
A: Venlafaxine is used to treat depression. Venlafaxine extended-release (long-acting) capsules are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worrying that is difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are taking the extended-release capsules, do not take more than one dose per day.
Venlafaxine may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* drowsiness
* weakness or tiredness
* dizziness
* headache
* nightmares
* nausea
* vomiting
* stomach pain
* constipation
* diarrhea
* gas
* heartburn
* burping
* dry mouth
* change in ability to taste food
* loss of appetite
* weight loss
* uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
* pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in part of the body
* muscle tightness
* twitching
* yawning
* sweating
* hot flashes or flushing
* frequent urination
* difficulty urinating
* sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
* ringing in the ears
* changes in sexual desire or ability
* enlarged pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
* rash
* hives
* itching
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* chest pain
* fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
* seizures
* unusual bruising or bleeding
* small purple spots on the skin
* eye pain or redness
* changes in vision
* fever
* problems with coordination
* hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
* coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
Please see the web pages for more details on Venlafaxine (generic name) Effexor (brand name).
Q: effexor xr?
I am currently taking effexor xr for depression and anti-anxiety disorder. I have done some research and have found that some people have a big problem getting off it. Has anyone been on effexor for awhile and stopped taking? If so what was it like for you?
A: I'm on Effexor, and I take the original tablets, not the extended release ones, so my medication only stays in my system about eight hours each time I take a pill.
I read that many people feel dreadful if they even miss one dose, and consequently, like you, I was worried.
But earlier in the week I had to reduce my dose quite a lot because of a side effect I was experiencing; while I didn't feel great, it certainly wasn't anywhere near as terrible as others have reported. I guess my point is this: if Effexor is helping you a lot, take it day by day and don't worry now about the day in the future when you stop taking it.
Not everyone gets such bad withdrawal problems; you can just reduce your dosage very gradually, with your doctor's advice, and you should be OK.
I've also read that for those people who really are having problems stopping taking Effexor, some doctors are prescribing Prozac to help them.
So don't worry too much!
Q: Effexor xr?
has anyone taken effexor xr for anxiety? i have severe anxiety to where its ruining my life i wont go to a store or anything im afraid to leave my house. my doc put me on this med and im scared to start it. i take xanax but its not working very well. do u think this med is a good one?
A: I also have been diagnosed with anxiety and minor depression...I do not believe mine is severe as yours might sound. I was first put on Paxil which did nothing. I was then but on Effexor XR and it worked like magic. My mood was dramatically better and my panic attacks were almost non existint. I however did have one of the adverse side effects of weight gain. This is uncommon and only a low percentage of people reported this as a problem. At this point I switched for better weight management and I am not as happy with Cymbalta...but my thighs are!! So unless weight is a pressing issue with you I would really consider trying it. It was the best one I have tried so far!
Q: effexor XR?
Hello
I am taking effexor XR 75mg since almost 3 weeks and I feel like sleeping ALL the time.
My doctor told me to wait one more week but I seriously doubt that things will improve by then.
Does anyone had that same problem with that AD?
A: 75mg is the very low dosage. you may need to increase the dose for better effect. I took this and was taking twice that before my symptoms improved (including the sleepiness). Talk to your doctor about this as this is your best resource for information. If you are not improving, go see a different doctor.
Q: Has anyone taken Effexor XR and felt the effects almost immediately?
I just started taking Effexor XR last week. I will take my 5th pill tonight. The first 2 days I really only felt the negative effects of it. Headaches, foggy head, teeth clenching. Day 3 I felt really good. And today I feel really good. Is it to early to feel the effects from it or has anyone else felt a quick response from this drug?
A: I have taken Effexor XR and it was not the medication for me. However, it did help my ex immensely. As for reaction time, there are people who are known as "hyper-reactors", who begin to feel the effects of the medication almost immediately. This is the way I am. When I took Effexor it made me more nuts than I already was, almost immediately, lol. But when I got on the correct medication, I also reacted to it immediately.
Work with your good feelings - whether you are a hyper-reactor or you are just plain feeling the effects of finally coming to a resolution from your depression, these are the good times!
Q: Could effexor XR cause me to have a negative home pregnancy test?
I am taking effexor XR 75mg for depression. I am a week and a half late for my period which is always very regular. But I have taken a couple of home pregnancy tests and they are negative, I just wondered if this drug may have something to do with it, and I may be pregnant?
A: nah I was on a higher dose of effexor xr when i found out i was pregnant..... test was definately positive!
Q: What happens if you drink alchohol while taking effexor xr?
I told my gyno that I've been feeling fatigued and uninteredsted in my favourite activities since the birth of my baby a year ago. She prescribed me 37.5 mg of effexor xr. I like to drink a lot, how will alchohol interact with the drug?
A: You will have to choose one of the two - either continue with the alcohol and then some more (which has become a necessity of sorts in your depression), or you may like to follow the advise of your doctor and just take effexor sr for the control of depression.
Try getting addicted to your child -spend more time with your child. Spend time in playing, teaching, training and building a strong realtionship with your baby. Take your baby out for excursions, fairs, games and things like that. This will cheer you as well as your baby.
Q: Any one know any dangers of combining the max of effexor xr and on top of that effexor?
I am taking both effexor xr and effexor and I am just concerned about side effects and getting an increase in headaches. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced or taken these two meds together.
Thanks!
A: That'll be overdose, and you don't know the compatibility of the two meds together. Don't do it.
Q: How can I lose weight while taking Effexor XR?
I take 300 mg of Effexor XR. It has made me gain quite a bit of weight. I have cut calories and I exercise, but it seems like I just can't get any weight off. I do not want to change medications because the Effexor is working so well. What can I do to lose weight??
I take the Effexor for panic disorder.
A: Firstly, if you are on that much Effexor XR, you may want to consider switching medicines anyways. Effexor is known for being a horrible medicine to come off, with many withdrawal problems. But, what is the Effexor being prescribed for? Depression or ADD. I have been prescribed it for ADD, and if it is for that, you may want to consider switching to a stimulant. Stimulants, like amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are used not only for ADD, but also short-term obesity. If you do not want to consider switching medicines, I would speak with your psychiatrist and see what they can do.
Q: What medicine can I take that will prevent migraines? I am on Effexor XR now and it no longer works. ?
I take Effexor XR to prevent migraines and take Imitrex to get rd of one when I get a migraine.
The Effexor is no longer working and I was wondering what else I could take to prevent the migraines.
Thanks
A: Seriously, have you looked into chiropractic. Migraine headaches are complicated but can sometimes be the result of the a shifted vertebrae high in your neck (C1 aka. atlas). Part of the brain stem travels through this vertebrae, and many occipital muscles connect there as well. When this vertebrae is out of place, it can irritate nerves, as well pull those muscles causing a headache. Like I said, Migraines have many different reasons, but trying a chiropractor is a cheap investment to find out if he can fix them ALL TOGETHER...as compared to the alternative of being on drugs for the rest of your life. Chiropractic is not smoke and mirrors anymore. There is science behind if you look.
Plus the risks and side effects are nothing than that of the drugs on the market today. Whatever you decide, I hope you find relief. Migraines are horrible.
Q: Am I going to gain weight while taking Effexor XR?
Effexor XR is venlafaxine HCI (37.5 mg for the first week, then 75 mg from then on), a medication for anxiety and depression. One of the side effects is loss of appetite, but I know everyone has different reactions. Anyone have any experience with this medication?
A: I just tried to stop taking Effexor XR. Make sure you're aware of the withdrawal symptoms!!I thoughtg there wassomething seriously wrong with me. I was extremely dizzy and nauseous. It worked wonders on my depression but now I have to slowly ween myself off of it.
Q: Is there anyone who has something positive to say about their use of Effexor XR?
I just got a prescription for the lowest dose of Effexor XR. I would like to know if anyone else has used a dosage this low, how soon they felt a change and what changes they actually felt. I am being treated for anxiety and depression.
A: I'm on 150mg, I'm not sure what the lowest dose is though. I'm on it for Cyclothymia/Borderline Personality Disorder, and it treats my depression symptoms. It works very well and I don't really have any side effects. I've been on it for nearly 18 months and I do feel shaky if I miss a dose but it's not too serious.
I think it works well for my anxiety but I've been out of work for 6 months now and I might not feel the anxiety because of not having work stress. Before I was taking Effexor I did have quite bad anxiety, and that has subsided quite a lot.
In conclusion, I would say that Effexor has a positive effect without side effects, so I wouldn't be scared to take it.
Q: how long does it take for effexor xr to leave your system?
Approximately how long does it take for a daily 75 mg dose of Effexor XR to leave the body of an active 120 pound female?
A: at your weight give it 24 to 48 hours you have to allow time for the livers absorption
Q: Does anyone know of a good anti-depressant to speak to my doctor about taking with effexor xr?
I have been taking effexor xr for around 7 years now and it seems to have stopped working as well as it used to...does anyone know of an ssri (as it seems my serotonin levels are lacking) would be good to discuss with my doctor when i see him next?
A: Bumbo, take the easy road first. Just have your doctor give you an increase in dosage. I had the same experience you describe with the same medication. Once we increased the dosage, I went back to normal in 2 days. ONLY consider other things after trying this. Avoid going off Effexor if at all possible. It is, by far, the drug with the worst withdrawal effects. Shoot me an email if you want/need more info about this. I've researched this extensively in the past.