I take 150 mg of Effexor. I have a daily headache, I am tired ALL the time (even with taking naps!), and I wake up in the mornings with puffy hands and now today I feel puffy ALL over and it's afternoon and hasn't gone away. I've also gained weight, about 10 lbs since September. Has anyone else experienced the puffiness? It feels like I'm filling with fluid, doctor said my hands feeling that way are from the way I sleep, I don't think he's right. Anyone else having headaches and the same Michelin man feeling? I hope, I would like to know I'm not alone!
2007-01-14 05:31:42 · 8 answers · asked by Kathy P 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
All of these symptoms could actually be attributed to Effexor. Edema (swelling) is one of the possible side effects, as are headaches. Effexor is actually less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants and is actually more likely to cause weight loss. However, some people do still experience weight gain on this medication. Effexor is also one of the antidepressants that usually increases energy rather than making you tired. Again, though, it is possible, and people react differently to drugs. Therefore, you may want to reiterate to your doctor that you have had problems with edema since beginning Effexor and ask to switch to a different medication.
2007-01-14 05:40:17 · answer #1 · answered by r alexander 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Effexor's Typical Side Effects: The usual for SSRIs and SNRIs - headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, sleepiness or insomnia, and diarrhea or constipation, weight gain, loss of libido and a host of other sexual dysfunctions. Most everything but the weight gain and sexual dysfunctions usually goes away within a couple of weeks. Although some women will notice that the sexual side effects will diminish above 200-225mg a day when the norepinephrine kicks in. Maybe.
Effexor's Not So Common Side Effects: Increased or lowered blood pressure, sweating, farting, anorexia, twitching, shock-like sensations.
Interesting Stuff Your Doctor Probably Won't Tell You: Few, if any doctors, will discuss the possibility that Effexor could become a permanent part of your life, whether you like the results of Effexor or not. Granted that is a very rare adverse effect, but it does happen. It's hard enough to get them to discuss SSRI discontinuation syndrome., let alone get them to admit that Effexor's symptoms are the absolute worst and the longest lasting of all serotonergic drugs. The discontinuation from Paxil is bad enough, it's much, much worse with Effexor .
2007-01-14 05:35:33 · answer #2 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took effexor for about a year, because I was told it had fewer side effects. Actually unfortunately, I had more bad side effects from effexor than any anti depressant anti anxiety drug.
First, I did gain weight, and swelled alot. especially in the ankles and hands. I felt dizzy, head-achy, nausea, all the time.
I decided to go off effexor because of the effects it was having on me. That too was an issue. I had terrible withdrawl symptoms. Absolutely terrible. I suggest you talk to your doctor about what is going on now, and if you decide to stop taking the medication, you do it only under your doctors supervision.
Good Luck.
2007-01-14 05:44:12 · answer #3 · answered by scottsherriand 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I also experienced those same side effects. I decided to go off the effexor and had my doc switch me to something else. Then things got REALLY bad. Having electrical shock sensations was one of the side effects I experienced while weaning off it. Good luck.
2007-01-14 05:39:13 · answer #4 · answered by cynical1963 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can definitely cause headaches, but I've never heard of it causing swelling like that. If I were you, I would insist that the doctor pay more attention to that problem.
And whatever you do...do not go off of Effexor cold turkey.
2007-01-14 08:35:23 · answer #5 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Next time you see your doctor tell him/her about your side effects and ask for Prozacs 20mg or celexia 20mg. Then inquire about trans cranial magnetic stimulation (there may be a long waiting list so see a psychiatrist to try and book an appointment. GPS' aren't allowed to book appointments) if it turns out your med resistant like a friend of mine and you might be one of the few who are med resistant
2007-01-14 06:29:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The weight gain is normal, everything else sounds like an allergic reaction, see your doctor ASAP!
2007-01-14 05:35:36 · answer #7 · answered by Popsicle_1989 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
what's the active ingredient of effexor?
2007-01-14 05:35:27 · answer #8 · answered by PharmaAce 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋