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Discussion Topic: Effexor side effects
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 runpin |
01-24-2004 @ 2:59 PM |
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Member
Joined: Jan. 2004
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Just started with Effexor ER 75mg a few weeks ago and am happy to report that it has already helped with what was becoming a scary bout with depression.
I'm wondering if anyone else out there experienced the sexual side effects with this drug? And what, if anything, they were able to do about it. I don't want to give up on the Effexor, but don't want to give up on my sex life either.
Sophie's Choice. : /
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.
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| Nerak |
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02-09-2004 @ 7:52 AM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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I took Effexor for about a year. While I didn't experience the side effects you mention, I did experience weight gain - to the tune of 50 pounds. That in itself can have an effect on one's libido. The drug did work for the depression but was counteracted by the weight gain. I hope you don't have problems with your weight. Good luck.
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| newman |
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02-19-2004 @ 6:38 PM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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Hi, I've been on effexor 150 mg for six months now and yes the sexual side effects are a real drag, but I have found they are slowly disappearing.I have also gained a bunch of weight, I have never been over weight in my life and did'nt know it could from the meds. Thanks that makes me feel a little better,it was getting me down. A couple of side effects that are bothering me are one,that with any excersize (other than walking)my heart rate races and I'm really shot of breath to the point I feel like I'm going to pass out.The second is I can't get to sleep so I take trazodone 50 mg.they get me to sleep but I have the most bizzar dreams all night.Does anyone have side effects that seem to come and go? Well I'm rambling(another side effect)but its nice to talk to some people that understand what we are going through.
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| canuck |
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02-20-2004 @ 10:33 AM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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I just started the Effexor XR 75mg 3 days ago. My marriage has really been effected by my depression over the past 2 years. It is as though we lost our spark. Both my wife and my self have been through alot, she has had PCOS for a while. That along with finding one of our friends that committed suicide kind of messed us up. She had has some surgery which has helped her PCOS for the time being and she is coming out of her shell. I went to the doctor to see why I was feeling so low etc. He thinks I am depress which I thought as well, so he put me on Effexor 75mg. I have only been on them for 3 days, but I feel a bit better, however I feel like I am jittery most of the time. I hope I don't experience the sexual disfunction side effect. My wife and I would like to regain our spark, we still love each other. I just hope we can wait this thing out. I hope I don't experience any weight gain as I am already like 50 lbs over weight. 
Wow looking back I am jumping all over the place in my post, I hope you all can decipher my garble 
Thanks for listening (reading)
Canuck
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| Susanne, Support Specialist |
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02-20-2004 @ 11:04 AM |
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Moderator
Joined: Nov. 2003
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Dear Canuck,
Glad to hear that the Effexor has been helping. If you are experiencing any side effects you should definitely let your Doctor know. Keep posting your thoughts and concerns.
Susanne
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| runpin |
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02-21-2004 @ 12:00 PM |
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Joined: Jan. 2004
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Hi,
Runpin here. I started this post and want to thank those who have responded. I have been on Effexor for about a month now, and it has definitely reduced my anxiety and depression. The initial side effects--sweating, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat--have pretty much subsided. The sexual side effects continue, though. I'm going to give it another month, then see my doctor if it continues. I don't want to go off the Effexor, but can't sacrifice my sex life either.
I would encourage anyone reading this post, that may suffer from anxiety and/or depression, to look into a moderate to a vigorous exercise program. Yoga and Pilates are very beneficial; low impact, stress relieving and it gets you out and with people. You will likely be suprised at the number of people who use Yoga to deal with anxiety and depression. If you are truly interested, I can recommend a few books that have helped me.
I would also suggest you take a look at your daily diet. We truly are "what we eat." Foods loaded with saturated fats, sugars, sodium and other preservatives definitely affect the body chemistry, which is a significant factor in anxiety and depression.
Just my .02 worth. Sorry if I sound preachy.
Good luck to you all, and Namaste.
Runpin
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| canuck |
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02-22-2004 @ 4:33 PM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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I posted here a few days ago, just starting on effexor 75 mg. My head feels much clearer. My wife said I was smuthering her, I would call her like 6 times a day at work. I wouldn't go anywhere unless I was with her. I wouldn't make any decisions on my own because I was afraid of making the wrong one. Since I started this medication I can see how my actions have effected my mariage. I can see now that in order to go on with our life together, we have to have our own separate lives as well. Before the medication I had no energy to go out and do things, I hope this changes. The only thing I want more than to be with her for ever is to feel better about my self and for my self.
As for sexual side effects, I am not sure what to expect. Can viagra be detrimental to the effects of my effexor??
Also it says that drinking isn't suggested on this. Can I go out and have a night on the town with my friends every now and then?? I am just not sure what it will do, my doctor never gave me any details. I would just go back and ask him but we have a doctor shortage here so I can't get another appointment for like 2 months.
Thank you to all who listen.
Canuck
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| runpin |
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02-22-2004 @ 7:25 PM |
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Joined: Jan. 2004
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Canuck,
Glad to hear you're able to see how your depression is affecting your life and the others around you. It's a big step forward.
Don't worry about the sexual side effects until you have them. It occurs in about half the people who take the drug, usually right away. If you do have them, talk to your doctor. He/she may be able to prescribe something to help that.
As far as mixing the Effexor with alcohol, it has not been a good experience for me. I tried it a few weeks back and ended up with heart palpitations. Fortunately, I'm really not attached to the alcohol, so I've stayed away from it.
All things considered, I would make a doctor appointment for whenever they can give you one. If you don't need it when the time comes, cancel.
There are a few sites online that have doctors who give general advice to questions regarding drugs, etc. You may want to check one out.
Namaste,
Runpin
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| Gina C |
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02-26-2004 @ 4:11 PM |
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Joined: Feb. 2004
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Just wondering if anyone has experienced any sort of paranoia while taking Effexor. I have been taking Effexor now for about 3 months. I have experienced night sweats as well as weight gain, and other side effects. The lates is this feeling of paranoia. Can anyone shed light on this for me???
Gina C
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| runpin |
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02-26-2004 @ 6:25 PM |
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Joined: Jan. 2004
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I have not experienced paranoia, but did have sweating when I first started on the drug. Things seem to be evening out now, though the sexual side effects have not subsided yet.
If the paranoia gets too intense, I would definitely talk to your doctor.
Namaste,
Runpin
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Discussion Topic: Effexor side effects
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