[jmo531]

I was on another forum and reading some effects of Effexor XR. I plan on asking my PDoc about this but I dont see her again for another 3 weeks. SO I turn to you guys for first hand experience.

Anyway, as I was reading about the side effects of the Effexor on this other forum, there were people that had experienced terrible withdraw symptoms such as "electric shock" feelings in their brains when coming off, terrible twitches, headaches, sweating, nausea, and all sorts of other symptoms that really scare me. I also read on this same forum that Effexor should only be used for 6-8 months maximum. Is this true? I mean, I thought it could be used as long as needed. These things are starting to freak me out a little bit. I know that I shouldnt beleive everything I read so that is why I am asking for personal experience here. Can anyone help?

[oksomaybeimnuts]

((((((((jen)))))))) i took it for a long time- and i sent you a PM all about it. ~hugs

[complic8d]

Jen-
They have found out that most of the SSRI's and other AD's do have withdrawal effects if stopped abrubtly. Effexor is a good medication, I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I was on it a long time ago, when it was only available in short acting form. It worked well, and then stopped, but that happens to me on all of them. The key is to never stop any AD's abrubtly, instead tapering down on the dose slowly, as your doctor should advise you. Hope this helps. HUGS!

[cat_eye]

Effexor is a good med. I know a lot of people who have had success with it.

[jmo531]

Thank you. I currently take it and have had success with it as well. I am just concerned about the withdraw when it comes time to come off of it. I am also concerned about the statement that it should only be used for 6-8 months.

Thanks you guys. I feel a little better.

[Genevieve]

Effexor does have a pretty ugly discontinuation syndrome, but there is a lot of emerging information about minimizing the symptoms of withdrawal. And from everything I've read, you can take it until there's a reason to stop taking it.

For what it's worth, I took it for several years, until it stopped working for me.

[dasiy6]

I have taken Effexor for 5 1/2 years and it has been a great med for me.......and I hope for you too!! Take care

[jmo531]

Thanks Guys. Knowing that someone has taken it for the long term and is still having wonderful results makes me feel alot better.

[DawnS]

Hi Jmo,

I am on 450mgs of Effexor XL. When I started it and while increasing I had twitches, however they only lasted for a very short time. I do get headaches and since I take Topamax as well, which is suppose to help with headaches, I am assuming the Effexor XL is most likely causing them since I hardly ever had headaches before. As far as the sweating and nausea I am not really sure. I know I am not all that hungry which is a plus. Over all I am happy with Effexor XL, but then again one must remember that everyone reacts differently to a drug. I hope this helps. (smile)

**HUGS**

~Dawn

[jmo531]

It does. Thanks. (((((((((((((((((Dawn))))))))))))))))))

[sasa]

I was on Effexor for a year. I didn't really like it, 'cause it made me feel blah, but meds work differently for everyone. If it's working for you, stick with it. I was kind of dumb, and I quit taking it without talking to my doc, but I really don't remember having any side effects worse than some wicked headaches. If you're doc helps you when you're ready to stop, you should be fine.

[jmo531]

Thanks Sasa