Effexor Medication Depression Posts

Effexor Medication Depression Resource

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I am being weaned off of my depression medication effexor has anyone else been on this medication? I am being weaned off Effexor it is used for depression I was on it for almost five years and they just lowered my dose by 65mg's. I have had crazy side effects and im up and down. I feel gross and tired not to mention irritable. I almost feel like I cant stand being in my own body. Anyone have any insight into this? Been there done it? Help?

frangipani852 replied: "I have been on effexor since July 08. I was put on 75Mg to start, then like most ppl I went down (Negativity State) and my GP decided to double my dosage to 150Mg. My symptoms seem to worsen & I realised that I not to state any Negativity (show a Positive Outlook) if not I knew he would increase my dosage. So at 6 months I asked if I could downsize my dosage as also my Psychologist thought it would be a good idea. So I was downsized to 112.5mg; which requires 2 different capsules one of which is for 37.5mg which is only prescribed for 1 month only at a time. (this is very costly 2 capsules instead of 1) Alas, on my last visit to my Psychologist I stated I was very emotional & teary (big mistake) he told me that I would not be coming off Effexor for a long time now. FYI I was also diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in July 08 which has not helped me as it takes time to get this medication right also. But, when you add this medication with Effexor, 2 Different BP Medications, Cholesterol Medication, Nexium for my delicate stomach, plus I also have to take Claratyne for Post Nasal Drip & my GP wants me to also take aspirin. So, now since being diagnosed with T2 Diabetes My Cholesterol has got higher and I now have and extra type of BP Medication. A Walking chemist Shop with Medication costing me over $200/Mth. I Hate the side effects of all these medications: Nausea, Diarrhea,Headaches,Body Aches,Shakes,Insomnia, lack of confidence, anxiety, withdrawing from social life,becoming a recluse,Exhaustion,Eating all the wrong things, Confusion, Memory Problems, Dumb stupid actions I made which make no sense, Uselessness, No Confidence, Not wanting to get dressed, Laziness, Over thinking every conversation or scenario, Hopelessness, Undecided all the time. This past 9 Months has been the worst I have ever encountered. All I want is to feel somewhere near normal again!"

effexor medication for depression? why does effexor medication give me energy?

Janet G replied: "Antidepressants affect mood by increasing or "saving" certain brain chemicals called "neurotransmitters. Different antidepressant medications affect different neurotransmitters. Effexor slows the chemical known as norepinephrine from being reabsorbed by the nervous system so that it can be used more effectively by the brain before it is eliminated by the body. Norepinephrine is a chemical that is used by the body's "fight or flight" reaction to give us energy that we use in an emergency, or that allows us to think more clearly when we are under stress. This is one of the reasons you may feel more energetic.Also, depression itself causes feelings of fatigue and tiredness in many people, and when the depression is treated, most people will feel more alert, focused, and energetic."

Stephen replied: "Because it increases a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline which has to do with energy"

Which medication is better on depression prozac or effexor XR. I currently taking both and I feel one is more I have heard efferox is a beeter drug and prozac has so many side affects. I don't think I should be taking both.

InTheDark replied: "A doctor would be insane to prescribe both medications! Stop taking the prozac! You'll mess yourself up taking both, even if they are different meds, you're gonna end up a pile of crap that no doctor can help."

appleeater395 replied: "im taking prozac and so far have no side affects, and your right you shouldnt be taking both, worse things that would happen is a tummy ache or a headach well the pharmacy guy told me that, and so far i have neither."

Randall replied: "These medicines are more powerful than cocaine and will have the same dramatic negative effects over time .... they are no solution. Don't be deceived by them. They are aging you real fast."

Alicia R replied: "no u should not take both just in case one contrasts with the other it might be bad and in my opinion Prozac is better"

MomSezNo replied: "You need to talk with the prescribing doctor about this issue. Be sure you understand why you are taking the two medications. Tell the doctor what side effects you are having. It's not a good idea to adjust your meds without a doctor's supervision."

Jennifer S replied: "Did your doctor prescribe you both or are you just playing pharmacist? Consult a doctor about this combo if you haven't already. Both of these drugs increase serotonin production in your body and too much serotonin can cause you to go into a coma. Be careful!"

Just wondering if anyone has or is taking a depression medication called effexor.....? I have been taking this drug for about 6 months now and it is working wonders, but I don't want to take it forever and I am scared if I quit taking it then I will go back the the way I was. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

battledragon6 replied: "You shouldn't quit any medication without consulting with your doctor first! Talk to your doctor and see what options you have. Just quitting taking your medication can not only cause you to go back the way you were but actually make things worse. Please talk to your doctor."

Lil Ångel replied: "Consult your doctor on the fors and againsts of quitting this medication at this point in time , only he can truely tell you when youre ready to stop it :-) ( whatever you do , donot stop it without consulting him/her) Have a great day!"

♥Peachy♥™ replied: "Congratulations. None of the antidepressants worked for me. What did work was a book that taught me a whole new way to think that changed the way I felt about everything. If you want to get off the drugs, (you probably already know you can't quit cold turkey), you have to learn cognitive therapy concurrent with a healthy diet and exercise program. Then, as you get the neurotransmitters working on their own without the Effexor, you can begin to taper off (per doctor's instructions, of course). Here's my "Antidepressant That Works" summary:"

poutine replied: "Someone is precribing it for you...so keep on taking it. When the depression lifts, you'll know and be able to taper off without any problems. Just don't worry and try to get better."

Poetgirl76 replied: "Unless you have very chronic depressive episodes or are bipolar, medication need not be a life long thing. If this was an isolated incident of depression, (from what I've read) 6-9 months of anti-depressants can do the trick. The longer you are stable on them before discontinuing, the better. With Effexor in particular, you want to be weaned off of it very slowly. Not only will this help you to avoid some rather nasty withdrawal effects, but it will reduce your risk of relapsing. You can further reduce the risk by taking good care of yourself; eating and sleeping right, getting plenty of exercise, avoiding mood altering substances, perhaps (continue?) seeing a therapist, and finding/maintaining a good support system. This is not a complete list, just some of the main points to staying well. And if you do relapse, at least you know that there is a medication out there that really worked well for you. It takes some people a lot of hit or miss before they find the right meds."

Husband on effexor xr for depression anyone had experience with this medication? He started on 75mg aday then 150gms hasjust been increased to 225gms and this has made a big diff,was wondering if meds can lose effect after awhile this seems to be what happened before?

Willies G replied: "Sorry I have not. I am taking Zoloft and Buspar, both seem to be working well."

Ladyofathousandfaces replied: "yes, that is one medication that did seem to work for me, and to this day i do not know why they changed my med's. Cause when i was taking that, i was not depressed anymore. But you have to remember too that these medications do not work the same on all people. Some people could get worse, or it just will not work for them. But yes i found it to be a very good medication."

Mrs H 2b! replied: "I've had it but it didn't make me feel any better."

whoizme replied: "My dad takes Effexor XR. It doesn't work real well so the doctor added Welbutrin. I see no point in adding Welbutrin. I think if the Effexor doesn't work then try something else. I take Cymbalta which is like Effexor in that it isn't and SSRI, and have great results. Good luck and G-d bless !!"

pro_doc replied: "Hi, There have been no reported/documented events of increasing tolerance with efexor use. It is important to note, that efexor, like most antidepressants (namely SSRI & SNARIs) have a discontinuation syndrome. Hence, when it comes time to stop the drug, the dosage is gently tapered off, so as to prevent discontinuation syndrome. The symptoms of discontinuation syndrome are: hypomania, anxiety, agitation, nervousness, confusion, insomnia or other sleep disturbances, fatigue, somnolence, paraesthesia, dizziness, convulsion, vertigo, headache, tinnitus, sweating, dry mouth, anorexia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. The majority of discontinuation reactions are mild and resolve without treatment. Generally, for depression antidepressants are recommended to be continued for at least 6 months, but 12 months is highly preferrable. After this period, the dose is slowly tapered off, all the time watching for any re-emerging signs and symptoms of depression. Remember, Depression is not really curable, it is managable, and a great majority of patients have to be on antidepressants for quite a significant part of their lives. Hope this helps"

steven p replied: "Didn't work 4 me. combination of seroquel, depakote, wellbrutin worked for me"

Angela L replied: "I have been taking effexor for 8 years and I also take Lithium. I have major depression and this is the only combo that works for me. The most I have taken is 300mg but if you feel it is not helping your husband get his doctor to do a blood test and check the levels of effexor in his system, some peoples bodies are just better at processing medications than others so they need more. Hope this helps."

crzylizzi replied: "I went from 37.5 to 75 to 150 to 225 mgs. I told my Psyciatrist (at the time) that it did no good, and made me feel worse, but he did not listen... turns out Effexor XR and Celexa can make your anxiety jump, so I was suffering more panic attacks than ever, and that was why. So, it never really worked for me, only increased my anxiety, and is hell to come off. That is my experiance."

fiVe replied: "I tried it for a while, but I had severe side effects and it didn't help my depression at all. My body doesn't react well to that class of medications (SNRIs) or SSRIs, but it varies a lot from person to person. I know a couple people who effexor really helped. It's a b!tch to come off, from what I've heard, though. Serious withdrawl symptoms. Meds that work initally can lose their effectiveness once the body adjusts to them, but that normally takes a few years."

I have been prescribed Effexor for depression, anxiety, and OCD. Anyone know much about this medication? thank you for your words of encouragement. :-) Some days are really hard when there are so many different things to deal with constantly.... and that's just inside my own head! I try to stay level-headed about all of this. I have been dealing for 15 years. I was on other antidepressants and given ativan to take when I was freaking out. Now I just want to find something that will do it for me. :-)

sexy replied: "i don't take it,, but i heard that it works for all your symptoms,you can always go on the sites and see what other people on it saids"

chiclover replied: "I've been on Effexor XR for over 4 years, pretty much for the same reason you are. I'm also on Lithium (which I hate) for borderline personality disorder (or so I'm told). Anyway, regarding Effexor, it does have side effects, such as possible wt. gain, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. But they only last a bit and are tollerable. A huge word of cautiion: don't stop taking it all at once. It has harsh withdrawls. But, hon, don't be afraid to take it ~ life can be better than it is now."

Annie B replied: "I have been on Effexor XR since October and I will tell you it is the best thing that has happened to me. I started taking it for anxiety issues, but have found it helps considerably with depression, and social anxiety which I didn't consider to be a big issue until I felt the change. I am a big advocate of effexor but with all meds they don't work the same for everyone. The best I can describe it is that I am more of myself while on Effexor. However, DO NOT SKIP A DOSE. I missed one day and I went off on a tangent to my boss. I am on 150 mg but plan on going to 225 because of change in stress levels (i.e. I was just promoted to a more stressful job). I hope it works as well for you. I work in the health care industry and I will tell you at least half if not more are on some kind of anti-anxiety/deppresant that I work with. Good luck and ask your md if they have a card so you can get a discount on effexor for the first 6 months. ( I only pay $8 a month which is a nice bonus). Stick with it because like with all anti-depressants/anxiety meds it is hard to go on and off."

Does alcohol really counteract depression medication? I am on Effexor and am experiencing several symptoms of depression but I do drink several times a week so I wanted to know if it's because of the alcohol or I am becoming immune to the medication (which has happened to me before.) Thanks!

Man replied: "yes because ancohol effects mood"

Tay2 replied: "You need to seek a counselor that will not put you on medication. You need to stop drinking. If you do not your liver will decay. You need to seek counseling to help you mood not drugs (alcohol is a drug)."

Katlady replied: "Alcohol is a depressent, so yes, it's bad to drink if you are on antidepressants. If you've been on other meds, you obviously have somewhat of a problem with depression, but you aren't gonna get better by drinking or doing any other drugs not prescribed to you, or taken not as prescribed."

MaineGuitarMan replied: "It's the alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant so yes it counteracts the effects of effector. Be careful, it's very dangerous to drink while on effexor."

harsha replied: "alcohol is depressant. it can affect avoid alcohol"

Rick replied: "alcohol is a downer. Alcohol causes depression."

Blackcompe replied: "Well, Effexor's prescribing information should state that alcohol shouldn't be mixed with it. I have heard psychiatrists say that alcohol inactivates Paxil. If I was dealing with depression, I wouldn't be drinking while trying to treat it with medication. Alcohol withdrawal can cause depression as well."

Kate replied: "I'm not sure how alcohol effects effexor, but it probably isnt smart to take with booz, if the bottle says not to. ask whoever gave it to you. some medication just builds tolerance by itself, and you might need a hire dose. just make sure your carefull, and if your allowed to drink, have a great time."

chris replied: "yes. and its also dangerous because it will both depress your respiration and it could kill you."

Susie Q replied: "I don't care what type of antidepressant you are on if you drink several times a week none of them will work, none."

Az R replied: "This is actually relatively recent material in the scientific literature. The general consensus for quite some time was that moderate drinking occasionally combined with most antidepressants was acceptable - provided there were no interactions with the medication, and the alcohol isn't being abused or complicating anything else. More recently some fairly high quality material came out(within the last year or so) showing alcohol consumed at as low as a single alcoholic drink per week radically lowers the potency of antidepressants - not as much as some things, but it's still cutting their efficacy in about half. From what I recall of the data it didn't appear to be dose dependent (ie, more alcohol makes the antidepressants work more poorly) - the material they came up with showed that it was -any- consumption of alcohol created a moderate reduction in antidepressant efficacy. So basically, the answer to your question is a yes."

I have a question for people taking Effexor for depression? My doctor changed me from Zoloft to Effexor to treat my depression. I seem to be having a lot of side effects from taking it. It is making my blood pressure go through the roof, and I really feel much more depressed now. I have read that people already taking medications for high blood pressure should not take effexor. My doc is aware of my blood pressure problem, so I am wondering why he even would have perscribed Effexor. I have an appointment to talk with my doc on Monday. I just wanted to get some info from others as to what side effects they may have had, before I talk to my doctor about changing me back to Zoloft. Any info you can give me would be helpfull. Thanks

rockydriver22 replied: "Sometimes if my mother misses a few pills she has strange dreams but other than that no side effects"

ur mom replied: "I dunno about the blood pressure thing but I work for a law firm and have clients call in daily saying that certain anti-depressants (such as effecor and zoloft) have caused them to attempt suicide. Our law firm has class action law suits against many drug companies that make effexor, zoloft, prozac... I guess it all depends on how the medication reacts with your body. I would talk to your doctor and if you don't get an answer you like speak with another doctor,"

bronzediva replied: "FIRST OF ALL, YOUR DOCTOR WORKS FOR YOU! If you are having problems with the medication, tell him you don't want to take it and why. And, stop taking it. My experience with Effexor was quite different. It took away any conscience I had or normal human feelings. Since I am a type A personality, I could have gone to my job and easily gone postal--I demanded an immediate change in medication. I now have a doctor who does not make me take anything I'm not comfortable with. In other words, he acts as a partner in my mental health care, not a dictator."

johncondo2001 replied: "I take it my blood presure went higher ,sweat poor all over me and my depression got worst I change doctor fAst."

olive oil replied: "I'm going to ask for a different one also because of (other) side effects. I also have been put on an ace inhibitor (for high blood pressure) after I started Effexor but I didn't realize that was one of the side effects of it, too."

firexxxangel replied: "I've been taking it for years and I've never noticed anything but dry mouth as a symptom. Infact, I swear I must have tried every anti-depressant that's out there and effexor is the only one I can tolerate really well. That's my story."

Migraine - helped by depression medication??!!? I have suffered from migraines for over 12 years. I would usually get about 2 per month. No kind of medication would help. I would just have to sleep through it, if I could. It was bad to the extent that it was disrupting my work for about two days each month. But recently, I had to take a depression medication called effexor XR (75mg) for some reason. And since the month that I started taking it, I have not had a single migraine. I have been taking the medication for almost a year now. I am really happy..... however, now my course for Effexor XR is about to be over. I am now scared that my migraine would return. Could someone shed some light on why this happened and what I can do to prevent the migraine, given these circumstances.

gayle w replied: "I wouldn't take it! That seems a little strange, and I would seek advice from a different doctor you can't always trust doctors. Hope your migranes get better!"

kythriller08 replied: "I say try to stay on the effexor, if you see the same doctor he will likely renew your prescriptions. Many different medications work to prevent migrains including antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and even blood pressure medications!! Migraines are still a bit of a mystery (we know more about some types than others), but once you find something that works for you, it is good to stay with it. Also all available data shows that long term use of effexor is not damaging to your health. I am a pharmacist and i have patients that have been on it for years without serious side effects. In fact the most common side effects people see with it is when they attempt to stop taking it they have withdrawal symptoms, however being dependent on a daily dose of this medication is not dangerous, think of it like having your coffee in the morning."

DoctorSchultz replied: "Most migraines are multi-factorial...for example hormonal shifts plus stress plus some allergic foods plus glare on your windshield and you have a migraine. a certain subset of patients do very well with antidepressant drugs: perhaps they rebalance neurotransmitters to stop the neuro-inflammatory response and the subsequent throbbing headache. reagards David Schultz, M.D. Richmond, Va"

silkbutterfly1973 replied: "yeah just try to see if your Dr will let you stay on it . I actually take triplane for migraine prevention and i checked it is one of the listed uses between that and keeping on season ale which cuts down on hormone fluctuation i rarely have migraines anymore . and i have been having them since i was a child around 9-10 years old"

paha4u replied: "atleast your medication has helped your migraine. For about 10 years I've been getting terrible migraines 3-5times a week. I've tried everything...my doctor even put me on a couple of different meds, seizure meds,depression meds, beta blockers...but i stopped taking it after a few weeks...it didn't help with my head, and was changing my mood- I was getting angry and feeling not like myself. Maybe your dr. can extend your prescription ... good luck!"

ladydye_5 replied: "i have taken migraine preventatives for close to 9 years. they are both anti depression meds. it all has to do with the seretonin in your body. i would NOT stop taking them. in my experience the migraines WILL RETURN with a vengence. if you dr is set on taking you off of it, find a new dr or find a dr that will try a different medication."

BaFfler replied: "There is a new development in migraine therapy: "

I use prescription medication for chronic depression and panic attacks and adding marijuana works, is it ok? I have effexor and xanax for chronic depression and panic attacks but it is not enough. Adding marijuana also works best; would I be a candidate for medicinal marijuana?

sweetpinkbee replied: "possibly, you should talk to your doctor, they are usually pretty cool about stuff like that, also they can let you know if there are any risks with mixing meds and weed."

charliebiggs123 replied: "overall i think marijuana is an excellent remedy for pain and sickness, but when used under depression this can cause more problems, this is only from watching my brother fall it from it though. if it is used in moderation and isn't abused i think it should help you so good luck."

Jackie replied: "the best thing to do is talk with your doctor."

Ian C replied: "No. No doctor would give marijuana to a patient with panic attacks (marijuana induces panic attacks). Marijuana itself has shown no clinical use for depression, although there are marijuana-like neurotransmitters in the brain that have shown an antidepressant effect (in rats). Your best option for a chronic depression would be TMS."

rx mel replied: "Medical marijuana is not indicated for anxiety or panic attacks and may in fact make things worse over time. MJ is known to increase anxiety, depression and paranoia with chronic use. It is a mixture of several chemicals that change brain chemistry. It is unpredictable what the combination of MJ with potent drugs like alprazolam (xanax) will have; and will interfere with the stablization of brain chemicals which venlafaxine (effexor) produces. Lastly medical MJ has specific indications and your condition(s) are not on the list so you also risk arrest. If you are not getting relief from your symptoms please go back to your doctor and have him/her adjust doses or change drugs until you get the best effect you can attain. Read all the information about any drug you take and know the risk/benefit of taking them."

billy s replied: "I am on Celexia and Clonazepam for depression.I also have HIV and smoke weed to aleviate symptoms of that illness.I've never had a problem mixing."

Hervey C replied: "Wow. Tough question. What if you substituted opioids (such as heroin) or alcohol? I'm not going to pot-bash, but if you are using drugs to escape or avoid depression, I'd say your heading down a dangerous path. If things are going well and you want to get high 1-2x per week, I wouldnt get on your case. So the real question is not can you use pot with your meds (there are no published interactions), but why are you using pot. In sum, many people use illicit drugs to feel better so your not alone. Maybe try 4-6 weeks off of the dubies and get a sense of how depressed/anxious you really are. You should know that contrary to what i was taught in school, pot can cause or exacerbate depression, anxiety and psychosis, especially in vulnerable people - meaning those with pre-existing mentall illness (e.g., you)."

William M replied: "cannabis is a Selective Seritonin-Re-Uptake inhibitor like many of the anti-depression and anti- anxiety drugs so its very likely that you are right about it helping (i use it myself) you could be if you live in the right states =P check out norml.com"

ravensgal63 replied: "I always feel better when mixing, but the Dr's claim it is toxic and will hurt you worse. Antidepressants are toxic as well."

JJ replied: "Xanax is the worst thing you can take. Probably CAUSING your panic attacks at this point. Thats what it does, helps at first, then causes the problem. Please check out the following web site. Not a good idea to mix pot with psych meds. Better to get therapy, resolve the anxiety and depression, and you won't need the meds."

CS replied: "Xanax just about destroyed my husband. He had a chronic medical issue that was causing him a lot of anxiety, and a shrink he talked to prescribed Xanax to relieve the anxiety. Within 2 weeks, I was living with another person entirely. It was horrifying and scary. He became intensely paranoid and the anxiety turned to full fledged panic attacks, something he'd never had before. He finally saw another doctor, who explained that it was most likely the Xanax. The stuff apparently has a half life, and over time, (in my husband's case a very short time) not only are you addicted to it, but you start going through withdrawal before your next dose so symptoms worsen. Seems this doctor knew the guy who originally discovered/invented Xanax, who now wishes he'd never brought it to market...but big pharma insists is safe... You can't just stop taking the stuff, either, without risking full blown psychosis. You have to wean off it very, very slowly - it took my husband three months! Some doctors prescribe valium to help with the withdrawal. Now my husband smokes weed when he feels the need for relaxation and calm. No more pharmaceutical drugs, he's too paranoid of them now. He will never touch another "anti depressant" or "anti anxiety" drug other than pot. I know another person who for years has very successfully combined pot and Prozac for chronic depression. Again, not a drug you can just quit taking, but doesn't seem to have nearly the awful problems we found with Xanax."

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