I was just prescribed Effexor for depression, anxiety, and OCD. Has anyone had any side effects from the medication? My biggest concerns are weight gain and fatigue which I had in spades while taking zoloft.
2006-08-12 11:59:47 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
What kind of withdrawal effects?
2006-08-12 12:05:14 · update #1
PS For those who have been patronizing, give it a rest. I have been on SSRIs before and am well aware of my situation. Having never been on effexor, I was curious to know how it has effected people which speaks volumes more than the info sheets you get from a pharmacist.
2006-08-12 13:45:58 · update #2
I did terrible on Prozac, but feel just about normal on Effexor. It gives me energy I haven't had in a long, long time. Different people respond differently to medication. You will not be able to tell how it will affect you by the answers you receive from others. Effexor does have draw backs, like you really do need to take it everyday or you feel dizzy. But, if it returns normalcy to your life, it's definitely worth it. Also, you doc had a reason for choosing this med. Assuming he's competent, trust his judgement. If it doesn't work for you, there are alternatives (and also means to mitigate potential side effects of stopping use).
2006-08-12 12:10:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of these types of medications have many side effects. Some people have many problems with them and others have none. It's really an individual thing. Sounds like your susceptible to the volatile nature of these medicines. You should try going to a Doctor of Chinese Medicine or a Homeopathic Doctor, because they typically use drugs and treatments that are much more natural and have less side effects. They are also just as effective. I have been a Nurse for 12 years and never really believed a more natural way was effective in curing diseases. I was wrong. I have a sister who had a combination of depression and post traumatic stress syndrome. Some of the meds you list she tried. Like you she didn't like the side effects of the prescribed medications. She finally got so disgusted with feeling bad she went to an Acupuncturist who just happened to also be a Homeopathic Doctor (there is a difference). This Doctor took her off the Psych drugs and put her on a different combination of more natural medicines. I begged her not to do this. She did. In less that 2 months she was better and had NO SIDE EFFECTS. I'm very glad she didn't listen to me. Since then, I have taken care of many patients that have similar stories. Now I listen to them and more importantly believe them. Good luck and don't give up on finding a treatment that works for you.
2016-03-16 21:44:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 6 months ago I was prescribed 150mg. effexor-XR. I too suffered from your same three symptoms. This was not helping my condition. In fact I did not feel anything. Recently my psychiatrist upped my dose to 150 plus 37.5 for 7 days and then 150 plus 75mg. NIGHTMARE! I underwent enormous side effects and became worst off than every before in my life. This drug is scary. I was in bed for a solid week, unable to sleep, crying and staring at the walls. I am now down to 150mg again but am pleading for him to change. Be careful. Ask Lot's of questions. Good luck.
2006-08-12 13:28:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funny...you just answered my question about dieting. Yes. I have taken so many of these medications that I could write a book. I would be happy to talk to you if you want to contact me via email. I am on effexor right now for the 3rd time. It worked great for me for about 3 years each time and then stopped so I had to change meds. I have hand tremors. When comparing that to the feelings I have without the medication, it's well worth it.
2006-08-13 08:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by kenntonip 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am on effexor XR and since the day i started it 3 months ago all i got was dry mouth. i never gained an ounce on it and in about 3 days after taking it i could feel the effects and became happy again
2006-08-12 12:11:51 · answer #5 · answered by oceanlady580 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Effexor made me grind my teeth, it didn't help as much as paxil, the withdrawals are like those of paxils : flu like symptoms, and brain shocks. be careful. on the flip side, there is less of a weight gain risk than in a normal antidepressant, Good Luck!!!
2006-08-12 12:14:21 · answer #6 · answered by Justinian Alastayer Drakye 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Effexor has a terrible withdraw syndrome when you quit taking it.
2006-08-12 12:02:53 · answer #7 · answered by fightintxaggie98 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This medication is highly addictive. ALL medications have side effects and some of the side effects to some meds are actually worse than the cure! You should talk to your doctor if you prefer not being addicted to this medication.
2006-08-12 12:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I didn't have any problems with fatigue or weight gain. I did have a terrible problem with heartburn though. My doctor took me off it.
2006-08-12 13:20:50 · answer #9 · answered by Washington 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you asking this question??? every person has different side effects!! the most common ones are always listed first.
2006-08-12 13:33:17 · answer #10 · answered by faerycatcher 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋