[sarahbarah]

I have been on effexor for the last two years. I actually have been feeling kind of crazy lately. I feel like I can't remember anything, i have sticky notes everywhere reminding me what i need to do. I have misplaced things that are just under some papers on my desk. I can't remember what i even started to say. I am really very frusterated. I am a Deaf ed teacher and sign everyday, I feel like I can't sign anymore, it is very very difficult, I feel clumsy and like i can 't even think. I have never been like this, it is just getting worse and worse.
has anyone else felt like they can't remember a thing, even simple things, like coordination is out of wack....
Please help, I hate this drug, it is driving me crazy, please help please

[VickiesPath]

How long have you been taking it and what is your dosage?

[Beholden]

Effexor didn't work well for me.....maybe it's time to see your pdoc and talk to him/her about your symptoms.

Have you recently had a change in the dose? Even if you haven't, have you forgotten to take it at the same time on one day or skipped doses? That can make you have some withdrawal symptoms. It made me anxious and part of being anxious was forgetfulness....and some of the same symptoms you are talking about.

Like I said, I think it is time to at least call your pdoc.

Good luck, medicine is so tricky sometimes

[sarahbarah]

i am taking 225 for about two years now. I havent been forgetting it, it is just something that has progressivly gotten worse since i started it, but now i feel like it is almost unbearable

[VickiesPath]

Originally Posted by sarahbarah

i am taking 225 for about two years now. I havent been forgetting it, it is just something that has progressivly gotten worse since i started it, but now i feel like it is almost unbearable

I take Effexor ER at 225mg in split doses (150 am and 75 early pm). I've not had a problem with it but I've only been taking it since May. It does have a sedating quality to it (only slightly) but if I accidently forget the second dose, I do notice it by getting anxious. So it does have a calming effect on me.

Your symptoms almost sound like depression. Poor concentration, forgetfulness, have you ever been on a higher dosage? When they started my treatment with Effexor, I was inpatient and they started me at 300mg. When I came out, pdoc lowered it to 225mg.

I can certainly understand why you are frustrated. If I were having so much trouble with my AD, I would pay pdoc a visit. Working is hard enough without struggling with meds.

Hope you can see your doctor and get this straightened out asap.

you know, i've been on effexor xr for years now and my short-term memory is terrible and i've always had a great memory. i thought it was my other health problems but i decided to do a search on this after seeing your post, and i found a site where a bunch of people think effexor is affecting their memory. (just type in effexor and memory in google and you'll find info.) it could be the depression but this is weird. i'm on a really low dose (75 mg) because any higher and i felt like a zombie. i just may go off this drug but i know it has to be done extremely slowly so as not to have the terrible withdrawal symptoms. i think i'm going to call my pdoc i haven't seen in years who first prescribed this. he's really good.

i just found some more info here (i bolded the symptoms):

Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SSRIs and SNRIs, including Effexor. In many cases, this hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs. Also, patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume depleted may be at greater risk (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use). Discontinuation of Effexor should be considered in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia and appropriate medical intervention should be instituted.

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. Signs and symptoms associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.

[ECHOES]

There is no reason for anyone to take a drug that isn't helpful to them.
Please talk with your prescriber soon.

[crystalrose]

OMG have to remember to take your meds everyday on this one. I skipped a few days and felt absolutly sick, headache, nausea, exhausted crying and fel not good. I'm putting notes up on my wall as a reminder.

i wish sarah's last post hadn't been deleted. getting of effexor is really difficult and suggestions of what has worked for others are helpful to ease the withdrawal. i want to get off this drug and i was going to look into her suggestions more.