The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

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?