Use of Effexor

[redsky99]

Hi,

Is Effexor one of the most commonly prescribed anti-depressents prescribed by doctors? I would like to find out some information and choose the best drug that is the most effective while having the least possible chance for side effects and bad reactions.

[JackTJ]

Have you heard any more news about Effexor? I'm looking into various treatment options before I go see my doctor for depression.

[Driver]

Originally Posted by JackTJ

Have you heard any more news about Effexor? I'm looking into various treatment options before I go see my doctor for depression.

I know one woman who took it who said it made her too agitated. That could be because her dosage was too high, or because the transition from her other drug was rocky. If there's a side effect you think you can't handle (sleeplessness, weight gain, sexual side effects), be sure to discuss the dosage and follow-up with your doc before you start.

[JackTJ]

What sort of sexual side effects hve been linked to Effexor?

[Driver]

Priapism, ejaculation problems, impotence, decreased sex drive all have been listed as possible side effects of Effexor. However, sometimes depression can cause at least a few of these problems, so it's important to separate out which symptoms can be affected--positively or negatively--by use of Effexor.

[hearth]

I have been on Effexor for a very long time, at least ten years. It is true it is one of the most popular anti-depressants in use today. One's reaction to it is extremely variable. Some people call it, 'side-effexor' (get it? side-effects-or). I'd call it a life-saver.
The greatest controversy I know of about Effexor is that it is one of the harder drugs to get off of. As you wean yourself off, you may feel very nauseas and dizzy, for example. But, that was avoided in my case by going onto a low dose of Prozac, and then reducing both together. The Prozac countered the ill effects of Effexor withdrawal, thus allowing me to get off of Effexor without any trouble. I have since resumed taking Effexor.
My experience with sex-life and Effexor: it either has no effect, or a positive effect.
My only complaint, but I am part of the 3% minority, is weight gain due to increased appetite.
Effexor really helped me overcome anxiety, depression and obsessive thoughts. I can enjoy my life again. That's a blessing

[Dboo]

I've been of Effexor for almost a year and when I first started taking it the first two weeks it made me feel very jittery. But I wanted to stick it out, I wanted it to work. It does work and I'm finally feelling better. Just be careful about missing doses cause it can cause your blood pressure to go dangerously low and you will dizzy.

[Zen4life]

The following is taken from the medication manufacturer's website - it's the part about the possible sexual side effects:

Potential Sexual Side Effects and Weight Gain

Men taking Effexor XR may experience delayed ejaculation. Studies have shown, however, that only about 3% of people taking Effexor XR for depression experienced decreased sexual desire.

In clinical trials, 3% of people experienced a change in body weight, either upward or downward, with Effexor XR.

The best way to address either of these side effects is by talking openly with your health care professional. It is important to discuss all aspects of your treatment with your health care professional — even if you feel embarrassed.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by Zen4life

The best way to address either of these side effects is by talking openly with your health care professional. It is important to discuss all aspects of your treatment with your health care professional — even if you feel embarrassed.

Zen, I think you touched on the key right there. Drug manufacturers are required by law to list every side effect that has ever been known to happen while a person is taking a specific drug, even if it was only experienced by one or two people. By discussing your concerns with your doctor, the two of you can monitor the effects of the medication together.

[ronoroa.zoro8]

Venlafaxine is a new class of anti-depressants, which affect the chemical messengers in the brain. These chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters manufactured and released by nerve cells in the cells. Neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause cells to become more or less actively.