Venlafaxine

While I was on this drug, I developed horrible acne, much worse than I have ever experienced before. My face burned and itched all the time and I was covered in sores that wouldn't heal. I have bad scars now. I'm 32 years old. I did not have scarring acne as a teen or in my 20s. I can't be sure they are related, as I haven't heard of others with this problem, but I think there's a link. Also, when attempting to wean off the medication, I experienced terrible vertigo and nausea.

I take Effexor, and have bouts of vertigo. My doctor says its from hardening of the arteries, and not a side effect.

I have taken extended release Effexor for 6 years for cognitive problems that developed from a combination of traumatic brain injury, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and Cushing's syndrome. It has made a large difference in my cognitive abilities. I added Strattera a few years ago to gain more adrenal energy, and it helped return my cognition level almost back to normal. But I recently didn't have access to Effexor for about three weeks, and it was awful. As time went on I developed severe mood swings, hot flashes, debilitating body pain, and deficits in my cognition, short-term memory, concentration, energy, etc. I don't like some of its side effects (decreased sexual desire and a narrower span of emotions), but being able to think well enough to go back to work has a much greater impact on my life.
The Effexor has not caused me to have acne, but I have had vertigo a few times--not while going off of Effexor, however.

I have been on Effexor for about 6 years. It has served me well for keeping my mood level. However, since my Dr. okayed the use of the generic "venlafaxine" I have experienced bouts of vertigo, when I am fatigued, and have had some acne issues on my back (never had before). I am interested in knowing if anyone else has or has had similar issues with the generic?

I recently tried venlafaxine as a low-cost substitute for Effexor XR, which I had been on sucessfully for 6+ years for severe depression, insomnia and panic attacks. The first day on venlafaxine I experienced severe stomach pain, although I had taken my meds after a full meal. Again the same symptoms for the next 4 days on venlafaxine.

Noting no other changes in foods/lifestyle I switched back to Effexor XR and the stomach pains went away immediately. I again tried the venlafaxine with better results, thinking my stomach was just a little "off" those days. Whatever. Within days of being back on the venlafaxine, I started having panic attacks, depression and very dark thoughts. I was also very weepy and my blood pressure went from 110/70 to 135/80, again with no change in my daily habits.

I discussed this with my psychiatrist, who suggested I get back on the Effexor XR as these were side effects of the venaflaxine. I'm back on the Effexor XR and life is good again!

I have been taking Effexor XR for hot flashes for the past 3 to 4 years. About 6 months ago I started getting headaches. They have been subsiding lately but when I cough, sneeze or bend over it can start again. This is the only prescription drug I am taking. I am hoping to be taken off of this drug soon.

I am having Effexor withdrawl and I had only been on the medication for app. 5 months. I am dealing with "Brain Shivers" and some fatigue. I have been reading a lot about others dealing with these odd neurological shivers, but no one seems to have a remedy. I went from 75 mg to 37.5. I was on 37.5 for 1 month and now have stopped. Any remedies for these brain shivers would be appreciated!!

I have been taking effexor for 4 years now. I had been diagnosed with fybromyalgia, and due to not being able to move and getting depressed, we tried the effexor. It has not only elevated my mood, but it also helps with the pain.

Yes, when I was not able to take it for about a week, I had major issues, from irritability, to headache, and head spinnings. As soon as I was able to take one, it was all over within 2 hours. Sometimes we forget how well a medicine can work until we forget to take it, and we are reminded of why we take it to begin with.

I have been taking effexor xr for 4 weeks now and am still not feeling any better. The side effects are awful... excessive hunger, severe sweating, hot flushes, weight gain, sleeplessness, gas, acne... the list goes on. How long do you think I should take it before I try a new anti-depressant... can anyone help me who has had a similar experience?

I am taking Venlafaxine XR 150 mg for hot flashes. I have most of the experiences that other people are having, but in the year my cholesterol has gotten off the chart, I was told I have had (2) small strokes. I am seeing a neurologist tommorrow and heart doctor in July. I have been having severe fatigue, with times not able to keep from falling asleep. Has anyone had problems with high cholesterol after taking this prescription?

I've been on Effexor XR 75 mg daily for 11 months and my total Cholesterol and LDL both increased. Is this a known side effect of antidepressants? I also had an increase in chol and LDL when on Zoloft.

I have been on Effexor (the brand name, I think) for 6 mos. and I've had weight gain (not much so far, but I do have carb/sweets cravings), "sexual side effects" and random jerky movements which appear to have gotten more frequent as I've been on the medication.

I also have heightened peripheral vision which is somewhat disturbing (and I also got on Prozac). I'm not sure if I'll stay on Effexor because of the jerky movements and weight gain, but it has really helped my mood.

I have been on effexor for over 9 years, under the supervision of a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist-- I myself am a licensed professional counselor with a Masters in Psychology----had heightened blood pressure, but it runs in my family, have had borderline high cholesterol, but the good numbers are high, which is good, making the total number high-- nothing to worry about according to my primary care who has been working with me for 15 years-- in fact my numbers dropped 17 points and I lost 8 pounds.

Just sensible eating, and yoga!!! I had the brain shivers when I went off of it, under supervision-- I thought I would be okay without an anti-depressant -- the brain shivers lasted a couple of months and went away-- I found I need an anti-depressant to be my best--My doctor recently put me on the "new" effexor called "Pristiq"--

Does anyone know about this????
So far it seems effective for me.
I need a very low dose to stay even -- in the healthy balanced content zone--it works for me-- 50 mg Pristiq-- It is currently being sampled to physicians if there is a desire to try something new. I have had no side effects.

I was on Effexor 75 mg for about one year and my total cholesterol and LDL both increased by about 40 points. Is there a connection?

I have been taking Effexor for 5 years at 150mg, which I reduced to 75mg over a supervised period of 12 months. I have been unable to reduce this due to adverse withdrawal symptoms.
I also take Lithium at 600mg.

I put on 4 stone (56 pounds) but once on less Effexor I lost 1 stone of this.

My cholesterol test has also just shown a very high result.

I am reducing 'bad' fats in my diet and am having cholesterol reviewed in 3 months.

I found that drinking sufficient water, avoiding alcohol and sugar and avoiding caffeine helps with side effects. If i get vertigo or the shakes, I have a large glass of room temp water and rest for 10 minutes.

I hope this helps someone

JV

so you have side effects from effexor? These subside as the benefits of the drug gradually take effect. I have a wave of nausea when it peaks, about 2-1/2 hrs. after taking it. The nausea quickly intensifies, and then I SNEEZE! The nausea disappears. I see and hear a lot of patients who find fault with all antidepressants because they are in denial that they really need them. I don't worry about "when I go off of them" because chances are I never will. This depression (of whatever type) isn't something that is going to go away like a bad cold or the flu. Effexor will keep it under control, but it's not going to cure it.

I started taking Effexor when I was 25. I am now 39. I am bipolar. When I tried to come off it a few years ago, the results were a manic disaster. I am very compliant, however last month I ran out of meds before I ran out of month. I should have called my doctor for help. But, without funds, I missed 3 doses (days).

At the end of the 2nd day I knew I was in trouble. Intense anger, restlessness and rage. By the end of the 3rd day I was suicidal and out of control. I took my medicine the next morning and by noon I was fine. Being on Effexor (now XR) for 14 years has taught me some important lessons. If you're bipolar you may have to be hospitalized or homebound to come off it. And, since the half-life of Effexor is so short, it's out of your system about the time you have your next dose. And there are times when stressors intervene (especially for bipolar folks) that we just have to stop and take a few days, or ask for help to remain out of the hospital. This is how I've stayed out--for 12 years.

There have been a few times a year I have to take some time to regroup. And those times have saved me from having a meltdown. It frightens me how this drug has been the ONLY one to treat my resistant, black depression. (My doctors said I was resistant to all the other drugs available.) But I whiteknuckle grip that bottle because I know without it, I am lost and raging like an animal and suicidally depressed. So there we have it. I am concerned about long term use and its effect on cognition, as I've experienced verbal and mental processing problems. But I am on 5 other drugs, so who knows.

I guess I am just incredibly grateful that I have been helped by this drug for 14 years. My quality of life has been relatively healed and, if I am fastidious with my doses,and work closely with my doctor, I will remain out of the hospital. Best to you all & thanks Terry & Joe, you have a terrific show on NPR- I love it!

I have been on Effexor XR for maybe two years total now. I began at the 150 and then increased to the 300 as I relocated and changed physicians.

I am quite surprised to read of some of the feedback from others on here as now I am beginning to wonder if I am not paying attention to myself. The increase in cholesterol levels is what I found most shocking, especially since I haven't paid much attention to my own because I've never had issues in this realm. However, I gave blood last week for the first time in quite a while, so it should be interesting to see what the results are for my cholesterol test.

Unlike other testimonials, any weight I have gained in the last few years has been more from my hand-to-mouth disease and my general lack of interest in exercising. Also, being a poor New Yorker has brought on other challenges, such as trying to pay down debt to free up cash for a pool membership.

I have always had great skin, and have experienced no issues with acne, of which I am grateful. What I have experienced though has been some God awful dry, cotton mouth. Man, you could probably knit a sweater in my mouth some days, that's how cottony it feels.

And yes, of course, if I fall asleep earlier than expected and miss a dose, which is rare, my mother says I lean to the right like the Leaning Tower of Pisa because I am a bit off balance. I take my missed dose as soon as I can, and within a hour or two, I am back to being balance, no leaning involved. The only other side affect I have from missing a dose accidentally is that I have no sense of humor and find most conversation terribly loud and very annoying.

No lethargy has accompanied my experience, other than my own desire to sleep away my problems, another hallmark of depression. My physician recently wrote a prescription for me for Venlafexine, and I questioned the mistake in my meds. I'll be honest with you, I was fairly irritated by his presumptive behavior of just changing my medication without consulting me.

But I guess when you are getting free care from the VA under combat veterans benefits, and the VA deems the generic is cheaper, well I guess it was bound to happen and I just didn't see it coming. The jury is out on the results of the generic usage, but I'm sure I'll be back to offer some insight. Good luck to all.

I have been on effexor 75 for about 4 months now. I find myself very tired throughout the day. I asked my pharmacists about my situation and she recommended I take my dose right before bed, however, when I did that I would wake during the night and have difficulty sleeping. I feel I have no energy at all. But effexor has helped me with anxiety making me reluctant to switch medications.