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anti Efexor
posted by Johan Grobler on 07 Dec 2004 at 7:46 pm
My GPprescribed efexor in March 2004 , other than the fact that this is a very expensive drug , I experienced severe side effects. From vertigo up to spending time in high care for angina. I had a very bad time with withdrawel symptoms . Now that I am completely off Effexor, I still experience major vertigo , but the rest of my cardiovascular problems are something of the past. Doctors prescribing this drug do not realize the impact of this drug.
Read the news article that this opinion was posted about:
Wyeth Affirms the Safety and Efficacy of Efexor and Efexor XL
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Follow-Up Opinions Pages: 1
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| EFEXOR AND WHAT IT DOES |
| posted by kaz on 10 Mar 2005 at 7:23 am |
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I have been on efexor since July 2004 I started on 300 mg ( to companste for the Aropax 60mg ) I put on the weight, suffer from bad constipation, night sweats, headaches, lack of sex drive, sleepness nights, lack of memory, night sweats during the day, nausea, tension. Now I want off i was currently reduced to 225 mg by my shrink ( I have no trust for them now ) I went to a docter who has started to reduce my meds. little has changed now I am on 150 mg. I want off and need advise on how to cope better with the withdrawel symptoms. Please Kaz | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| wonder drug |
| posted by sharon on 26 Dec 2005 at 12:53 pm |
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Hi my name is Sharon. I was commenced on Efexor 4 yrs ago by a psychiatrist. I had minimal side effects and I believe Efexor has saved me. I have the highest regard for this drug and its efficacy. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| double wonder drug |
| posted by Al on 04 Jan 2006 at 3:37 am |
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I was diagnosed with both depression and anxiety against both of which I had been labouring for decades and efexor xr 75 mg a day truly changed my life. I realise my illnesses are physiological and therefore there was little my attitude could do to change my state in the past. I suggest trying it. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Effexor and pregnant |
| posted by NAOMI on 28 Jan 2006 at 1:21 am |
I have been on meds on and off for 5 years and currently take Efexor XR 150mg a day.
I have a few side affects but at the end of the day I'm better on the meds than not. At the moment I'm 5 weeks pregnant and not sure what to do?
Has anyone else been pregnant whilst taking Effexor?
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| no problem |
| posted by Bianca on 24 Mar 2006 at 8:09 am |
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I have been on Efexor for 2 years on 75mg and I am now 3 months pregnant and have had no problems at all. I am concerned of the risks, but I dont think I will be OK if I come off them. I am going to continue to take the drug. I have spoken with my doctor to come off them when I am 7 months so i can breast feed. I think you will all be OK. There will always be risks in every thing you do so just stay healthy. Also I think the stress it puts you through to come off the drug could not be good for the baby expecially during your first trimester. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor saved me |
| posted by Jeremy mundy on 12 Apr 2006 at 4:42 am |
I have been using Efexor for over 6 yrs now, having been very dependant on zanex before. I suffered a severe breakdown 8 yrs ago and went through very difficult times for 2 yrs until I was put on Efexor for a trial. I can now lead a normal life by taking just 75mg a day which I break in half to take morning and evening.
Apart from an occasional ringing in the ears I do not seem to suffer any side-effects. I am 59 years of age and try to lead a very active life and look good for my age Thanks Efexor.| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor - side effects? |
| posted by Lynn on 24 Apr 2006 at 2:23 am |
I am in the care of a psychiatrist and have been using Efexor for 3yrs. Current dosage 300mg.
Interestingly, I only experienced what Johan Grobler and Kaz on this page refer to as "side effects" BEFORE I started using Efexor. In fact, I experienced those as symptoms of my depression - not as side effects of any of the anti-depressants that I have used.
To Kaz I would also say, if you don't trust your "shrink" get a 2nd opinion. From my own experience I have come to realise the importance of correct dosage and, as a result, I tell the psychiatrist exactly what I am experiencing so that she as all the information needed to arrive at the correct dose.
After all they are not psychic.
I have previously been prescribed other anti-depressants but, in my case at least, Efexor seems to be the one that best treats my particular symptoms and without any side effects that I am aware of.| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor - Who to believe? |
| posted by Peter on 28 Apr 2006 at 12:31 am |
I have just been prescribed Efexor and have been reading the comments posted. I wish I hadn't. Now I'm more confused than ever.
I have previously been on Zoloft, which helped me greatly with few side effects - I put on weight which I needed to, and wasn't quite as sexually overactive as I used to be, my wife was pleased.
I am confused by the stark contrast in comments listed. One says how terrible Efexor is with many complications, the next says it is wonderful. Who to believe?| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor - Concerned |
| posted by Jay on 03 May 2006 at 5:28 pm |
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I'm a 22 yr old male and have just been prescibed this med to battle anxiety and depression. I have never seen a mental health professional - I merely consulted my doctor with this problem. I'm worried that this may be an over zealous approach and that taking this med will mean that I will become reliant, which I don't want. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor |
| posted by Minx on 04 May 2006 at 6:05 am |
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4 months ago I summoned the courage to ask my GP or help. I was given a test to assess me for depression and the result showed that the only thing I was missing as suicidal thoughts i.e I was severely depressed. My family has a history or depression and OCD but I never recognised it in myslef until I as being bullied at work. My GP put me on 75mg of Efexor XL and I experienced dizziness, headaches, nausea and tiredness. However this only lastede for to weeks and I reckon that this was only because my body was reorganising its chemical balance with the help of the drugs. The headaches were the only side effect that lasted the longest. After to months on 75mg my GP said I could reduce my dosage becuse Id made such good progress. Im now on 37.5 mg per day and feel great. My anxiety levels are so reduced that I hardly know myself. My one remaining worry is that all my anxiety problems will come back when I come off the drugs in June. Efexor worked for me and Id recommend it to anyone however I think its very much like being on the contraceptive pill in that it may not be suited to everyone. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Side Effects of Efexor |
| posted by deryk allum on 18 May 2006 at 7:59 pm |
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I am 61years old and have been put back on Efexor after taking it for about 3yrs and then being off it for 5yrs. The side effects that I have noted are yawning a lot and problems with the water works. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Hang in there!! |
| posted by Catherine on 28 May 2006 at 9:53 am |
I have been on several anti-depressants since diagnosed 6 years ago. Getting the right diagnosis is essential, so see a specialist ! I also found that once I had info (not easy to get from doctors) on my condition then this would ease the anxiety and aid confidence in confronting my illness. eg: depersonalisation and derealisation .... ask about these.
Side effects: though only supposed to last for two weeks from the start, I continue to have side effects almost a year on. However, have found stability and strength of spirit finally whilst on this medication, whereas felt psychotic when on Paroxetine and sedated when on others. Good diet, exercise do all help for re/building up that crucial long term security and foundation for recovery.
but unsure about long term effects of drug??
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| What Should I Do |
| posted by MV on 12 July 2006 at 7:52 am |
I feel like crying while browsing the internet and reading about Efexor. I was on Zoloft for a year and currently taking nothing. My sexlife doesn't exist and I feel anxious all the time. My doctor wants me to start Efexor, but I'm afraid. I have a very difficult relationship with these drugs, Zoloft was a good thing in my life but I'm fear for the side effects, since I feel them even if they're not there.
I wish I could live my life without them, but will I be able to? Do I really need to take them? What if I never get off them? I'm affraid that one day I might be capable of harming myself... my doctor says that I don't, but...| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Fantastic Stuff |
| posted by Peter on 22 July 2006 at 8:40 pm |
I had used zoloft and mirzapine bfor a year. I was constantly throwing up on Zoloft. Mirzapine gave me terrible shakes that I still suffer from occasionaly. I just stopped taking them. I did it cold turkey and tried to live me life without them. I was on the edge again and was going to drive my car into another tree and went to a shrink. He put me on Efexor. No side effects, lowered my sex drive ( was controlling my life) got rid of the depression and then I found out how badly I had anxienty. Because all of a sudden it wasn't there anymore. Things that would leave me running for the hills before we just normal things now.
I lived my whole life with anxiety and never knew my life without it. Yet after taking efexor 150 XR I now know what a wonderful thing life can be. I am looking at relationships in a whole different way. I can do little things like use a telephone, (this used to scare me so much beforehand) ask for directions, Just chat and be normal.
Thank you EFEXOR you have changed my life. :-)| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Effexor-XR |
| posted by Cindy on 24 July 2006 at 6:07 am |
Has anyone experienced weight gain or the inability to lose weight while on Effexor-XR?
I'm currently on 187.5mg/day. I have decreased appetite but cannot lose any weight since I've been on the Effexor-XR for the last 2 years.| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor XL and Weight Gain |
| posted by Barbara on 03 Aug 2006 at 6:03 am |
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I have been taking efexor xl 75mg daily for nearly a year now. I was prescribed it for post natal depression. I am just about to start coming of it. But since I've been taking it I've not really had an increase in appetite but have gained weight and no matter how hard I try can't seem to lose any. Does anybody know if this is a side effect and will I be able to lose weight when i'm finally off them? | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor Question |
| posted by Maria on 16 Aug 2006 at 8:03 am |
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I was just put on Efexor yesterday. My doctor tells me I will be on it for a year and then I can stop without my anxiety problems coming back. Has anybody experience with this? | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor - Opinions Wanted |
| posted by mick on 24 Aug 2006 at 2:24 am |
I've just been given efexor for the first time and don't know whether to take my first pill. I have been taking tramadol and have not taken anything for a few days now. Cold turkey effects so far are sweating and nightmares / dreams and chronic stomachache.
Do I carry on taking nothing or take the 75mg iof efexor?| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor In Pregnancy |
| posted by Sam Thomas on 26 Aug 2006 at 5:13 am |
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Howdy, it was interesting to hear everyone's stories - I have been on efexor xr 75mg for about 3yrs now and am really impressed with the drug - it did take a long time for the side effects to settle down though. I am planning a future pregnancy and have been advised by Dr to change from Efexor to Zoloft for pregnancy. Has anyone been through pregnancy on Efexor? Would also like to hear how people went on Zoloft:) | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Side Effects And Efexor |
| posted by Delilah1956 on 04 Sept 2006 at 5:37 pm |
My doc put me in Efexor about 5 months ago, I started out with the 37.5 for a week and then to the 75mg, I hated mostly that I had to take it with food, and then i seem to sleep alot. I would have some really serious dreams. Well I had run out of my prescription and about 4 days later I started having a lot of ringing in my ears as well as vertigo.
I would have stinging down my arms to my fingers like when my heart beat would beat and my pulse it would feel like an electric shock. When i went to the doctors to see what was going on, they said it was the side effects of the withdrawl. that is horrible, I was on alot of drugs back in the 70s and was never addicted to anything . But i can only imagine what folks with real addictions could go through. these are the worse for me. i felt horrible, fatigued, dizzy, sleepy, of course i could still eat. I know it was doing me some good to be on Efexor, cause i already see the irrablitly in my personality coming back.
I hope to be able to find some other depression drug that wont have such a huge withdrawl effect.| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor Headaches? |
| posted by David on 11 Sept 2006 at 12:12 am |
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I have been on 225mg Efexor per day since 2001. Recently I have started experiencing a continual headache and occasional earache. My GP thinks these may be Efexor related. Any similar reports? | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Good Stuff But The Weight Gain |
| posted by Beck on 11 Sept 2006 at 3:55 pm |
I have been on many before efexor - xr 150 but this is the one that has truly made a big change for me. I go out and visit people and answer the phone now - its great.
But I do have one problem with the drug. In 12 months I have put on 12kgs and I have to put it down to the drug, because my eating habits haven't changed. So, this is a big issue for me and I dont know what to do. I know I cannot go off these drugs for a while, but i also know this weight gain has really got me down. Has anyone else had this happen, and if so, did you loose the weight and how?| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor - Confused |
| posted by Stacie Cross on 20 Oct 2006 at 4:01 pm |
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Every one has different reactions to the drug. You must look at the clinical studies and discuss your problems with your doctor. Know your risk and and weigh them against the disorder. If you are afraid of the risk, look into other drugs. I had many side effects at first, (neck pain, nervousness, sleepiness, clinching my teeth, sore throat, and ataxia) but now they are gone, except for the occasional sore throat, and some really crazy dreams. Today I finished antibiotics for my first sinus infection. I wonder if it is because of the Efexor that I developed this very painful infection. It has helped my depression, but it has not helped my extreme social axiety and antisocial behavior. I have only been taking Efexor for two months. I plan to try it another month and see what happens. | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
| Efexor And Pregnancy |
| posted by Stacie Cross on 20 Oct 2006 at 4:42 pm |
My gyn advised Zoloft because it was one of the safer drugs for women who may become pregnant. My four year old with autism takes Zoloft and she is doing great. It seems to be a safer drug. I'd advise taking the doctors advise.
I am taking efexor now, but I don't want to take it if I become pregnant again. I stopped taking the antidepressant elivil when I found out I was pregnant the first time, and my symtoms did not return until I stopped breast feeding. But I did have a little post pardom depression. It was much different than the normal problems I have, so I knew thats all it was. It only lasted two weeks.
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| Efexor Long Term Effects? |
| posted by Jude on 21 Oct 2006 at 9:55 am |
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Hi-ive been taking efexor for 7 years now-have come off it 2 times and each time i couldnt cope with the side effects(the only one that was great was i lost 28lbs !) so i went back on-it was like a drug addiction and each time it took longer to kick back in so now my dr wants me off it again i dont know if he wants to save money or help me-i am the one who cant function when i am off them-ie-going out-cant answer the phone-cant get a job-i dont know what the long term effects are of staying on them permenently-has anyone been on them forever? | previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | |
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