Effexor XR

[425runner]

Has anyone tried Effexor XR? I've been severaly depressed and my doctor prescribed this 75 mg in addition to the Wellbutrin XL I'm taking. I've read horror stories on the Internet about how hard it is to stop and I'm so scared of even starting the medication. It's been hard to get out of bed and function lately.

[ICNDonna]

One thing I have learned about the internet is that for every treatment option there is out there, you will find horror stories. What we have to do is to understand that some people do have medication reactions, but that doesn't mean we will --- and we have to weigh the potential benefit against the risk before we make our decisions.

I have found that I do best when I work with my physicians on treatments.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donn

[sailawaygrl]

I was reluctant to try cymbalta because of the horror stories out there too. I finally was in so much pain from fibro that I had no other choice. It has turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made. I learned my lesson with the internet horror stories. I do think that some people really do have a hard time with certain medications, but that doesn't mean it will happen to us. I know these people believe they are helping other's by sharing their experiences but it isn't a good thing when it keeps someone from a treatment that could be perfect for them.

Donna is right, find a physician you trust and follow their directions.

Sandra

[425runner]

Thank you, girls! It's hard to find a good doctor nowadays, especially if you're limited by your insurance plan. Anyway, yes - I'll go with the Cymbalta since it seems to help with pain.

[hoping4change]

Yes I take Generic Venlafexine ER (Generic Form) Highest Dose Prescribed

I take it now for several years & also heard it's one medication that's very difficult to stop, so you must do so with care and your Doctors direction.
This is actually a medicine that helps with Narcolepsy as well as what Drs prescribe it for. So it's opposite of Meds that make you sleepy. This is a medication that wakes you up, I have Sleep Paralysis so I take this for my Depression/Anxiety as well as Sleep Paralysis.
It's been a lifesaver for me,, but only because I take it for major sleep paralysis right before Bed.. I take the highest dose prescribed and it helps me Sleep better, But everyone else without Paralysis takes it in the morning since it has that wake up effect like Caffeine. Just does the opposite for me. It gave me headaches at first with lots of Tensing and Jaw Clunching but for me it was a lifesaver for my sleep issues.
Please Please be careful with starting any medication and follow your own Body & Drs instruction. Do not start medication because it works for me, it may or may not work for you.
Prozac game me Major Panic Attacks where I was in another world & I had to go the ER since I felt skipping heart beats, chest pressure, and FEAR. Some people can take Prozac no problems but yet I can't,,,This goes to show everybody reacts differently to different medication. You hafto find something that works for your body. I hope this helps you

[meResque]

I was on Effexor XR for a while back in my early 20's. I tapered off of it under my doctor's care, and it wasn't bad at all. What I remember most is what I called the "brain zaps." I'd get an almost electric feeling "zap" in my head every so often when I was tapering down. It didn't hurt at all, and didn't last any longer than the amount of time until I was off completely.

[VCNJ84]

I take Effexor XR 150 mg a day and I don't feel like I have any major side effects from it. My only advise is to take it before noon, I can't take it at night or I get insomnia.