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HELP: EFFEXOR XR!

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 16

Well from what I can gather by researching all the antidepressant medication in most people with most of the medications they go through withdrawal because your body becomes used to and dependent on the medication. So I guess all the people who are on these meds have that to look foward too if they want to stop taking them. I have a friend who has been on Paxil for 7 or 8 years and he said he has tried to stop and the withdrawal is terrible so he hasn't quit. I have heard similar stories from other people too. Thanks for the advice. Keep on Keeping on.

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

Please be careful with Effexor. I was on 150 mg of Effexor Xr for about 4 yrs. It IS NOT a long term drug. My new Dr. worked hard to get me off of it. The withdrawls were BAD!!! He likened it to getting off heroin (not that I would know). The benefits were no way worth the withdrawl! I have just started having attacks in the last month and their frequency is esca;ating so I went to the Dr last week and just got on Lexapro. Can anyone offer advice on this drug?

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 16

I have been taking effexor XR for about 3 weeks now. I am taking 300mg which is the what my doctor told me that was the theraputic dose. I took Paxil 37.5mg for almost 8 weeks and felt more anxious than on the Effexor. Actually with the Effexor I feel much better. I have gained some weight but not much. My doctor told me that the reason people gain weight on most of the meds because you actually feel better and want to eat. I know for almost a month I had so much anxiety I felt nauseated all the time. Then when you start a med it causes you to have anxiety. Sexual side effects have all but went away with the Effexor also. I experience bad side effects with the Paxil. Hope this has helped.

20 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

I just started Effexor XR three days ago. I just recently weaned off of Paxil after taking it for 6 years and gaining 50 pounds. Unfortunately when I went on a vacation with my boyfriend my panic attacks came back while driving on the highway. I have no idea why they are back..I was feeling great without the Paxil and things were going really good. I thought maybe it was just the stress of driving on a long trip but since I came home I have been unable to venture to far from home without having a panic attack in my car and wanting to jump out and run all over the road and scream...Some of my fears have returned since I have been off Paxil and I realize now what a lousy drug Paxil really was...I didn't really care about anything while I was on Paxil, I had no emotions, not even the death of my grandfather affected me. Now since I have been off I want to cry at every little commercial on TV... Sorry....sooo off topic....I started Effexor 3 days ago on 37.5mg...How long does it usually take to work? I haven't noticed any significant difference yet as I still have nervous tension and anxiety when I am driving and I am also anxious most of the day now...It really sucks...I thought that I kicked this thing years ago but now I realize I might have to be on meds forever... Has anyone noticed any weight gain on Effexor? I hope not.....or weight loss? God I hope i can lose weight...I so hope it isn't like Paxil..... Any replies would be helpful, thanks, Michelle

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 147

It won€™t affect you the way a SSRI would, all of the side effects are physical like nausea and sleeplessness, but I slept better than when I tried paxil. And my anxiety reduced the first day I started taking it, it€™s a really great medication.

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 49

Thanks Mike and Phoebe... I'm going to give it a shot on my next day off!! I have Xanax, just in case of panic attacks.. And I'd love to gain some weight.. COOL

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 50

I found Effexor XR to be very helpful in treating my anxiety. I did not experience any "starter" side effects at all. I felt better after only 2 weeks. Although I am no longer taking it (due to weight gain) I recommend that you give it a try. My only concern is that if you stop taking it, you should do so very slowly. Many experience a "zapping" sensation in their head when going off this med. This can also happen if a dose is missed because of its short half life. Meds work differently in all people, but I think it is worth a shot. It can't hurt.

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 201

Expect some nausea but it will fade in a week or two. You may experience some slight chills or hot flashes as well. In order to control the nausea you should eat food often in small amounts rather than three big meals. This helps alot. I recommend taking the doseage in the morning because it tends to keep you awake. I tried taking it in the evening and regretted it. Good luck! Mike

21 years ago 0 +0 / -0 49

My Md prescribed Effexor Xr 37.5mg today .... I feel like I'm at the point where I need to take a med. and I believe this is going to be it! Please give me any info. on it that you can offer!! Like time of day I should take it? Should I eat alot with it? What can I expect? HELP!!

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HELP: EFFEXOR XR!