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Reviews
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Sultrysorrow
Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 77
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Wed August 18, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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It's a good starter anti depressant
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CONS:
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Doesn't work that good when your world comes crashing down..
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It's so-so..
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takepsych
New Member
Registered: August 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 4
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Mon August 16, 2010
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $40.00| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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Helps with anxiety. It helps with my Trich..
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CONS:
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When I first began taking it, the drug made me very tired if I sat for too long.
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Excellent I have been on Effexor 225mg for years. It and relaxation techniques have put my Trich in total remission. It doesn't make me as sleepy as it use to. But, I still take it at night.
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Cattitude
New Member
Registered: July 2010
Posts: 3
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Fri July 16, 2010
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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doesn't make you exhausted but I really can't think of any Pros
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CONS:
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headaches, tremors, SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
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I was on 300mgs for what seemed like an eternity. It did not seem to have any positive effects on my depression or anything else for that matter. It did COMPLETELY kill my sex drive which is a real feat because my sex drive has always been on the high side... it also made it nearly impossible to orgasm which I'd NEVER had issues with.... My doctor did not want me coming off of it because of the notoriously horrible side effects and withdrawal. I finally took matters in my own hands and went off of it . I went from 300mgs to 0mgs in one day. Although I did not experience huge withdrawals, going off any med cold turkey is idiotic and not recommended.... I was just so frustrated. If I had major withdrawals I didn't notice most likely because I was so excited to get my sex drive et al, back.
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weird artist
Member
Registered: October 2008
Location: England
Posts: 62
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Fri April 9, 2010
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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actually works for me
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CONS:
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I had strong side effects early on, and when I missed a dose. Must take at the same time every day to work.
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pretty good stuff once your body gets used to it. this is the 4th antiD I have tried, so I was relieved when it actually worked!
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rainbowrific
Newly Joined
Registered: March 2010
Location: FL
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Fri March 19, 2010
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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brief relief of depression
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CONS:
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induced mania, weight gain, constipation, urination problems, severe withdrawal
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I started on a low dosage, and then I would feel better. I felt "better" because I was hypomanic, which I didn't realize until later, but it was better than depression. Then, I would feel bad again. So, the dose was increased. This vicious cycle went on until I was at 450mg/day, at which point I had serious digestive and urinary problems. I also gained about 30 pounds in 9 months. And, in the end, it didn't even work correctly for me.
Quitting this drug was a nightmare all on its own. I took me nearly FIVE months to get off this medication, AFTER. The withdrawals were pure misery: pain, lethargy, fatigue, headache, brain freeze, electric shocks through my body, nausea, general flu like feelings, suicidal thoughts. I completely identified with accounts I had heard about undergoing chemotherapy. I literally wanted to die every day from the physical and mental anguish. I would never recommend this as a first or even second resort for depression treatment.
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PBHG
Newly Joined
Registered: January 2010
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Sun January 3, 2010
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Definitely worked very well for me.
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CONS:
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Diminished sexual performance. Stopped working after a year. Made me start smoking again.
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I got put on Efexor XR after suffering chronic fatigue like symptoms which seemed to defy treatment, despite trying many things over a couple of years. I was reluctant, because although my condition included depression like symptoms, I felt the causes were physical rather than mental, I'd certainly never been prone to depression before, and had tested positive for hypoglycemia, which didn't respond to treatment. I thought the doctor was taking the wrong path, but relented in the end as I wasn't coping very well by that stage.
After a few weird days, they worked much better than I could have hoped. I've read since that they're used for CF sufferers and although it felt like the cause was still present Efexor did a good job of masking them.
I felt almost back to normal, the weight I'd gradually put on, going from 180 lbs to 225 lbs due to inactivity and craving food due to the low blood sugar, started to diminish at a rapid rate. I lost half of what I'd gained in 2-3 months, the rest was a bit harder but after 7-8 months I was back to normal. I had a lot more energy, and mentally I was back in business.
I only had a few negative side effects, maybe a little more sweating, but this was marginal. Sexual performance was definitely reduced, a doctor told me guys use them to prevent premature ejaculation, and I could well believe it'd work. For me it'd often never happen, but it seemed not such a big deal for the dramatic improvements in other areas. One other side effect was the resumption of smoking. I hadn't for a few years, but the cravings were very strong after Efexor. and after I'd started having a few, I tried really hard to stop. Patches etc had absolutely no effect, it was like being on speed, lighting one after another. I gave up giving up, and this probably contributed a bit towards the weight loss as well.
Unfortunately it just didn't last. After about 10 to 12 months they seemed to stop working. I was only on 75mgs so I tried doubling the dose, with no effect apart from sexual performance being virtually non existent.
I still persisted for a while, by then I'd read the horror stories of withdrawal, but eventually stopped taking them, pretty much cold turkey. I'd forgotten one days pill, so waited to see what it'd be like the next, thinking if it got too bad I would just take one or split one in half, but overall, although it wasn't completely trouble free, it wasn't that bad either. Nothing like what I was fearing.
I'd been off them for 3 weeks and decided to try to quit smoking, now the cravings seemed quite diminished, and was surprised how easy that turned out to be.
After reading some of the other accounts I consider myself lucky. Don't be too envious though. I've tried Cymbalta since then and that was as horrible as Efexor was good!
I hopefully have an answer to the CF now, a second, better test for toxic heavy metals was sky high, the much earlier hair analysis showed only a little, and although the going is still tough, with detoxing only making me feel worse at the moment, hopefully I'll only have to find one more product like Efexor to see me though the next 6 months or so. Fingers crossed.
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phoenix47baby
Grand Member
Registered: September 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 619
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Tue November 17, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $45.00| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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curbs depression
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CONS:
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none
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definite help with the depression
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kileyb
Junior Member
Registered: July 2009
Location: Boston, M.A.
Posts: 12
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Thu August 27, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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Lifted mood a little
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CONS:
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fatigue, excessive sweating, nightmares, anxiety, cry or get angry when due for dose
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I was really hoping this would due the trick, but while it did lift my depression, I slept more on it than before! Experienced excessive sweating, had terrible nightmares every night, nausea/vomiting and weight gain.... also I would either snap or cry when I was due for my dose. I am talking only 18 hours later! Plus once when I was waiting for my check to pay for them, I had these almost electrical volts going through my body! I became very shaky and couldn't drive myself to the pharmacy! I was 18 hours past due! thats all! Oh one more, cost. my insurance covered 11 days so at 20$ a refill it was around 80 a month. Everyones different, so while I recommend alternatives before this it could be a miracle for you.
Just a heads up! Good luck, we'll find the right one eventually!
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degas
Junior Member
Registered: July 2009
Posts: 11
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Wed July 29, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $40.00| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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none
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CONS:
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vivid disturbing nightmares
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I'll admit that I was weaning from Serzone and Celexa and beginning Effexor as prescribed and following DRs schedule. I ended up twice in the ER with hysteria and symptoms that I couldn't quite describe. Horrible, horrible nightmares that I won't express, sweats, loss of appetite, complete and total hopelessness. I lay in bed at home for 4 days without eating or drinking, just sweating and nighmaring and crying and I couldn't WAKE-UP. I am especially upset by the fact that this was given to a patient who suffers from PTSD because now I can't forget the grisly, horrible things I SAW and EXPERIENCED so vividly in my dreams.
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thinker22
Magnate
Registered: June 2009
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 2113
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Tue July 7, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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A bit more energy on some days
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CONS:
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Irritability, hand tremors, depression, huge withdrawals
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Irritability, hand tremors, depression, huge withdrawals. I had more energy on random days, even hypomania, but it wasn't helping with severe depression, may have even caused the depression.
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u2nance
Member
Registered: April 2009
Posts: 25
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Thu July 2, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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saved my life!
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CONS:
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I have no complaints
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I was so depressed and was having lots of crying spells and thoughts of suicide. Had been on Paxil for 2 years and gained 40 pounds in 8 months!!! Effexor has let me start to lose weight for the first time in 5 years! Gave me back my life. I hope it doesn't change.
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kris10
Newly Joined
Registered: April 2009
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Sat May 9, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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doesn't make you tired, i didn't experience any side effects.
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CONS:
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This medication is the only antidepressant that I can find that actually works. I didn't experience any side effects...once it started working, after about 4-5 weeks of starting it, it has worked great. I'm not tired, like I was on Zoloft. I've tried Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, etc.. and none of them worked...and all of them had side effects. I definitely recommend Effexor and Effexor XR.
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thalia2
Member
Registered: September 2008
Posts: 31
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Wed April 22, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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Very Effective
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CONS:
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Side Effects
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The most effective antidepressant I have ever taken outside of Nardil (which worked TOO well). And I've taken a lot. I have had a bunch of side effects -- headaches, grinding teeth, sweating, anxiety and increase in suicidal thoughts (eventually fades) at the beginning and when the dose has been increased. The last two are serious. But overall it has saved my life and taken me from a dangerously depressed and incapacitated hermit to a functioning human being again.
I wouldn't recommend it as a first line. I would absolutely recommend it for someone who's really struggling, has tried others and who thinks nothing can help them. Which is where I was.
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SammiSama
Junior Member
Registered: January 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 6
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Thu March 12, 2009
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $24.97| Rating: 5
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PROS:
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Better mood, more outgoing, easier to cope with some stressful problems.`
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CONS:
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No sex! lots of numbness (Kind of feel like a robot), massively supressed emotions (couldn't even cry), heart palpitations, insomnia
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Well, it's one of those "lesser of two evils" kind of situations. I was put on this drug two years ago as a "Band aid" method. My doctor refused to send me to a shrink, and said that my depression wasn't permanent. Anyway, it did help. I gained more confidence, saw a lot of my older self (More talkative, outgoing, etc.), and I hardly had any depression fits. After a year though, I started getting really frustrated with the "robot" feeling. When something bad happens, I get this pressure in my chest and feel kind of sick to my stomach...but that's it. The pills don't seem to allow me to express any bad emotions, to the point where I can't even cry when something terrible happens. It causes a lot of inner confusion. Also, I couldn't sleep more than five hours without waking up and feeling restless, I tossed and turned all night (kicked my poor dog tons of times), and I could hardly eat a thing...I went from two meals a day to one snack a day.
Lastly, coming off the pills was a nightmare. I cut my dosage down to one a day, and only 37.5 mg..and almost instantly started "feeling" again. Plus, I could actually consider sex. After I was completely off the pill though, like the day I stopped taking the one pill, I started getting heart palpitations? huge dizzy spells, couldn't stop eating (I suppose after a year of hardly eating at all, it was kind of a nice side effect.), the depression came back within a week, and I had hallucinations!! Not bad ones, just blurred shadows and once I woke up from a dream, and my dream image was superimposed onto my room for a bit...freaky. ..I don't know, it's the first time I ever hallucinated.
I guess the side effects out weigh the original problem, but personally ..I think it saved me from doing anything extreme, and put me back on my feet, so now I can sort of figure out how to fix myself.
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Ubiquitous Maninlev
Junior Member
Registered: November 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 15
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Wed January 28, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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At times seems to have helped with depression symptoms
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CONS:
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Still no idea if its any good, worried about coming off it
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After taking Citalopram, the initial impact was good, but I put this more down to not being on Citalopram. Since then I have been all over the place, on various doses. Overall, I think it has given me more energy, and occasionally more concentration. But still not sure if I want to take more or stop altogether.
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Helpmefindmymarbles
New Member
Registered: August 2008
Posts: 5
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Tue January 27, 2009
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $60.00| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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CONS:
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Restless, sleepless nights, nausea, anxious
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I really couldn't get past the side effects to see the full effects that I wanted. After 4 days and feeling like a paranoid psycho, I most definitely will be switching back to my old meds. These made me restless, I woke up every hr and slept maybe a total of 3 hrs a night. I didn't feel like moving at all. I ended up missing work and I had no energy whatsoever. However, you do lose your appetite when you take these and you have to literally force yourself to eat. On the other hand, these seem to work well for others. I couldn't get past the first week that is how bad it was for me. I switched back to Tegretol and I'm back at work, happy, sociable, and having my energy back. Yay!
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tarabug922
Member
Registered: November 2008
Location: santa cruz, cali
Posts: 294
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Tue November 25, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $68.00| Rating: 5
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PROS:
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alleviated some of the depression
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CONS:
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weight gain and turned me into a zombie
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This med has turned me into a zombie. I stare blankly into space for hours. I can't find things to talk about to make conversation anymore. Thank you Effexor. Even though it has alleviated some of the depression I still have moderate depression while taking the highest dose.
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trixie459
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
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Tue August 5, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $35.00| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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relieved anxiety and depression very well and quickly
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CONS:
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insomnia or very vivid dreams/nightmares, excessive sweating
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I was on 75 mg for about 5 weeks. I felt more energized, calmer and happier on Effexor than I had been in months on other meds (prozac, wellbutrin). Unfortunately, I couldn't handle the lack of sleep, which never subsided. So now I'm going to start on citalopram 20 mg. I really hope it has all the positives of Effexor without the negatives.
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igot_mad
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
Location: The Dirty South
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Sat August 2, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5
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PROS:
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good for anxiety and depression
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CONS:
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plateau effect, HORRIFIC side effects when a dosage is missed
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I took effexor for close to a year. When I started taking it, I felt nauseous and had headaches, but it eventually wore off. It helped a great deal with my depression for a few months until it just hit a plateau and did practically nothing for me.
In the beginning, my doctor told me I could get a little sick if I missed a dosage. Months later, I lost the bottle and had to skip. Before you consider this medication, look up 'effexor shocks.' I have never been in more agony in my entire life. Ever. Even after I took my dosage the next day, I felt a queasy and dizzy for a few days. Getting off of it wasn't quite as hard, but it certainly wasn't pleasant.
Bottom line: it may work wonders, or the progress may just bottom out. Not everyone experiences effexor shocks, but don't try your luck.
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missery
Newly Joined
Registered: July 2008
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Thu July 24, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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a, positive attitude,
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CONS:
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i do sweat alot more
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i have been on zolof,paxil that one made me crazy,but this is working for me right now
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emi24
Newly Joined
Registered: June 2008
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Sun June 22, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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loss of appetite = weight loss (yay!)
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CONS:
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elevated blood pressure, dizziness, spaciness
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i know several people who have found a friend in effexor but for some reason it was more my enemy. it made me feel as though i was going in and out of consciousness, increased my vertigo, increased fatigue, heightened my anxiety, elevated blood pressure, etc. i must've had adverse effects or something. i did not feel like myself! i then hesitantly tried cymbalta afraid it would do the same thing but it has surprisingly worked for me. it helps with physical and emotional pain which, unfortunately, i am experiencing. not sure what the difference between the 2 drugs are as i know they are very similar (i did read the cymbalta is slightly easier to get off of than effexor). for some reason i had opposite reactions. CYMBALTA IS THE NEW EFFEXOR.
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eforest
New Member
Registered: June 2008
Posts: 2
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Tue June 10, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $30.00| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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Can't think of any
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CONS:
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Caused profuse sweating
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I took effexor when the lexapro stopped working. I don't think it added anything and only caused profuse sweating.
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orangecat
Junior Member
Registered: December 2006
Posts: 8
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Fri April 11, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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works fast; I had tried many antidepressants before settling with Effexor - also less side effects than the others
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CONS:
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have tried to lessen dosage many times over 11 years, but have always gotten suicidal
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It really got me out of a black hole 11 years or so ago and I have never relapsed back to that state although there have been trying times. It also makes me sweat, makes my blood pressure go up, and rather strangely, increased my bust size. I would really like to come off it to see how I would be but I always get suicidal and cry all the time when I reduce my dosage. Maybe that is a message to me I should not try anymore. I really don't know. I don't have dry mouth and it doesn't stop up my bladder. For me, the positives outweigh the negatives.
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Popangel16
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
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Tue February 12, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Worked incredibly well on depression and anxiety
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CONS:
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Weight gain
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I began taking this medication when I was 16 years old. The medication kicked in automatically and I felt 100% better in one week. I gained 10 pounds unexpectedly a few months after starting treatment, but then my weight stayed at that point. Unfortunately, right before I turned 20 the medication stopped working. Up until then I had had no problems with it. Even though it only worked for a few years for me, it was a great treatment and I would highly recommend it.
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Chris7
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2008
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Thu February 7, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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NONE...maybe loose weight before commiting suicide!!
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CONS:
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caused multiple SEIZURES and MANIAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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THIS DRUG SHOULD BE OFF THE MARKET!
IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! I TOOK IT FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE I TRUSTED MY DOCTOR BUT MY CONDITION KEPT GETTING WORSE!
IT CAUSE MANY SEIZURES. THEY DIAGONSED ME FOR EPILEPSY AND PUT ME ON MORE MEDS WHICH ALSO MESSED WITH MY BRAIN.
I'M NOW DOING HOMEOPATHY WHICH HAS SAVED MY LIFE!
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Ben23
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2008
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Thu February 7, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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None for anxiety/panic attacks
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CONS:
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Severe insomnia, on-the-edge feeling, tinnitus, depression, dizziness
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I have had severe panic attacks and generalized anxiety with mild depression and this was the firt drug I ever took to try and solve the problem (after some lorazepam).
Did absolutely nothing for me, could not use for more than 3 consecutive days. Crying all the time, feeling spaced out, severe insomnia, increased depressive symptoms, dizziness ... I could go on, and on.
This may be a good alternative to some, but other SSRIs have proven to be more effective (with less side effects) than Effexor. Paxil was the solution for me, although everyone is different. I have a good friend of mine who used it for moderate to severe depression and had great results, though.
Do not hesitate to take the pills if it has been prescribed to you because of horror stories or comments like mine ! But make sure you do a close follow-up with your psychiatrist in the beggining. You will know soon enough if this drug is or isin't for you.
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12beat
Newly Joined
Registered: February 2008
Location: Seattle,WA
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Fri February 1, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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Great for major depression at higher dose titration
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CONS:
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Terrible Discontinuation syndrome - Instant side effects when stopped
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awesome for my depression and anxiety....worried if I can ever come off of it at 225mg a day, without whacking out.
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sarcasticme
New Member
Registered: January 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1
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Sun January 27, 2008
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $0.67| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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CONS:
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Worked for about two weeks, constipation, dry mouth
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For me, minimal side effects compared to some other antidepressants. Pity it just worked for two weeks!
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OcdPam
Junior Member
Registered: January 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 10
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Tue January 22, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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good for anxiety and depression
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CONS:
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not good for OCD and coming off is awful
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The only real problem i've had from this med is trying to come off of them. Brain zaps were awful. I take this med again now and have decided it is time to STOP thinking I am better and to stay ON the medication.
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Mon January 7, 2008
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $2.00| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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clarity - alert
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CONS:
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wears off - birth defects --
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I personally take this drug i have managed to ween myself down to the lowest possible dose, my side effects are horrible increase anxiety and paranoid when trying to get off medication. Cant get past this I have tried 3xs each time has sent me to the hospital. I cant orgasim (was never a problem) i find now 2&1/2yrs later still on the drug and now my moods are cycling, no longer depressed or anxious now just aggressive. I do also take a mood stabalizer.
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mlpHolmes
Poohbah
Registered: March 2007
Location: Land of Endless Possibilities
Posts: 1086
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Tue December 11, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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Depressions are not as deep, as long, or as many in a month
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CONS:
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took ~ 6 wks. to begin working, no other side effects
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I have been on Effexor XR almost 2 yrs. and this drug has literally saved my life. Now I have bouts of depression but with Hope, before Effexor my life WAS Depression.
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ChipsAhoy
Member
Registered: August 2007
Location: Minneapolis MN
Posts: 25
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Sun December 9, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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Low side effect profile
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CONS:
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Low efficacy
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I have been taking Effexor XR for 8 to 9 weeks now. I started at a dose of 75 mg and was increased to a dose of 150 mg after 4 weeks. My mood has not changed very much at all. I can't speak for everybody but so far this medication has done very little for me.
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Merveille
Newly Joined
Registered: December 2007
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Sat December 8, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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within 6 weeks, alleviated anxiety, better sleep; seemed to taper off in times of stress
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CONS:
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"flaming thoughts", hard to control impulses (spending, urgent sugar craving), weight gain, no libido
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It worked for anxiety (i was on a low dose) - but the uncontrolled sugar/chocolate cravings were disturbing, as were the hard to control impulses (to spend, to not go to work, to eat)- the most difficutl and the reason I switched is that I had a lot of good (work) ideas or things to follow up that would appear in my brain and then disappear before I could write them down. It zapped what was an excellent detail memory. I have just been switched to Celexa; I would like to know more about how your GP makes the decision for one over the other...
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hangtough
Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: TX
Posts: 33
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Fri November 30, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
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PROS:
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works fairly well with depression.
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CONS:
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none so far
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I find the medication works well with higher doses. I haven't had any bad reactions besides an ocassional headache.
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Barbarian
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
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Fri November 30, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
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PROS:
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If you suffer from major depression -- such as feeling like whale shit on the bottom of the ocean -- then this medication will lift you from the abyss.
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CONS:
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Rapid weight-gain; increased sex drive; UNBELIEVABLE EXTRANEOUS SWEATING; good luck escaping brain-zaps while sleeping.
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If you suffer from the worst kind of depression known to man, then this medication is for you. Along with Remeron, Effexor is the only other medication known to lift those patients with the most severe depression -- such as feeling like whale **** on the bottom of the ocean -- from the abyss. This medication will most definitely lift you from the abyss. However...beware that this medication -- despite what ANY doctor tells you -- will cause rapid weight gain. And on top of that, you will sweat your balls off. You will smell very badly as a result. I swear that you will regret taking this medication by the sweating factor alone.
Effexor will also increase your sex drive as well as your appetite. Worst of all, if you're bipolar, I would say this is the WORST drug to take for bipolar-depression, as this drug is notorious for throwing bipolar patients into dangerous mania, and often. You will be a ticking time-bomb. If anyone messes with you, then I feel sorry for them. If you've been taking **** from someone for too long, then this medication will allow you to stick up for yourself. If you want an excuse to tell your boss what a piece of crap he or she is, then by all means go with this medication.
I would not recommend this medication for bipolar-depression. It is dangerous to you and others. It WILL throw you into mania which can turn into dangerous circumstances. I would much rather take Lamictal for bipolar-depression, as it doesn't throw you into mania like Effexor does. Moreover, Lamictal is weight-neutral and has very few, if any, side effects.
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timeforsleep
Member
Registered: November 2007
Location: Pac Northwest
Posts: 83
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Tue November 27, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5
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PROS:
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Taken in conjunction Neurontin will make you a numb zombie
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CONS:
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Taken in conjunction Neurontin will make you a numb zombie
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Side effeccts. Decrease in libido. Loss of appatite. Felt like someone was pricking the back of my brain and upper spine with a million needles. Not painful but unsettling.
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Nighthawk1979
Newly Joined
Registered: May 2007
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Sun November 25, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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Finally eleminated my depression when this as added to the wellbutrin I was already taking
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CONS:
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Nasty headaches if you miss a dose
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I had never completely had remission of my depression until this was added to the 450mg of Wellbutrin I already took. After all these years it's wonderful to fell like myself. Wish I'd found this sooner. From all I've read I'm not looking forward to stopping this med so I'm hoping it works a long time for me.
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scrapper
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
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Fri November 16, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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Works for me
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CONS:
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Fear of the day I ever have to stop them
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After several different antidepressants including Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Effexor XR gave me the opportunity to make positive choices such as exercising, getting outside, visiting folks, and those are the things that I needed to do to begin recovery. For me that is all i can ask of a pill.
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Anonymous
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Fri November 16, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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Good for the blues
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CONS:
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Dose tolerance
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Good med for whatever ails you. Takes a while to kick in, don't think its going to be easy to stop it, its brutal.I ran out of this for a couple days and thought I was losing my mind. Weird drug...it changes your brain.
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crownroyal
Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
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Mon November 5, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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it helps my anxiety and contorlos my add
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CONS:
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prostate issues, especially during bowel movements, premature ejaculations
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The drug has helped my add in a big way, I no longer need riddline. I still have issues with occasional anexiety. I take 225 dose a day, not sure if it is a high or low dosage. Emotions are near nil, may be why my long term relationship has ended. Went off the drug once and I discovered then that it was helping. Take the good with the bad, thats life in a nutshell.
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Gianna
New Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 1
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Thu October 25, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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none
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CONS:
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did not improve depression, withdrawal was hell
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dangerous drug with awful and sometimes dangerous withdrawal effects.
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pyewacket
Junior Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: ontario, canada
Posts: 13
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Fri October 19, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
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PROS:
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helped with mood control
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CONS:
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left me emotionally flat as a pancake
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took the max dose to get any effect, and then i ended up being a zombie, emotionally flat, monotone voice, stiff movements, so i switched to welbutrin
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koalakim
New Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Posts: 1
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Fri October 19, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
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PROS:
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It did control hot flushes...now they are worse????
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CONS:
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withdrawal is woeful, weight gain of about 38kgs (84lbs)
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Just bumped up to 300mg, dry mouth weight gain....omg.....sleeplessness...
I just don't know that its working??????
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Sultrysorrow
Member
Registered: October 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 77
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Thu October 4, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
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PROS:
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No transition period if you've used other SSRI's
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CONS:
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Boosting dosage in increments can be a pain.
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Best stuff I've ever taken so far. Current dosage is 300mg.
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Diosa913
New Member
Registered: October 2007
Posts: 3
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Thu October 4, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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helped a lot with depression
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CONS:
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side effects: night sweats, weight gain
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I had a pretty good experience with Effexor. Had depression and social anxiety-I think the depression was because of the anxiety. Definitely helped with my depression and somewhat with anxiety. I got up to 150 mg a day and didn't have any terrible side effects of missing a dose like others have said. Also had no problems weening off of it. I've been thinking about getting back on it at a lower dose as my depression seems to have returned.
I did gain about 10 pounds while I was on it, but others have said they lost weight so I don't know about that part. The one thing I really did not like was that it gave me TERRIBLE night sweats. Almost on a regular basis I would wake up soaking wet. Not fun. I know it was related because I found forums where people described the same thing. Plus I haven't had a night sweat since I've been off of it. I guess some side effects are the price you pay to feel normal though.
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dolphinkiss28
Newly Joined
Registered: October 2007
Location: San Diego, Ca
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Wed October 3, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
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PROS:
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management of panic attacks & GAD
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CONS:
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dizziness, sleepiness, hard to achieve orgasm, weight gain over 3 years, dry mouth
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I would say that after being on this pill for a few years and gradually increasing the dosage, I have been able to control my panic attacks and Generalized anxiety, however I also go to a therapist and read self help books for panic disorder that help!
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BrazilMaster
New Member
Registered: August 2007
Posts: 4
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Thu August 30, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
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PROS:
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So far, best "one in all" med. that worked for Depression and Anxiety - Simple to use and very effective.
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CONS:
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Slight decrease in sex drive, but nothing of the wall.
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After trying several drugs such as paroxetine, prozac, and traditional anti-depressives, I finaly experienced positive results with this drug. Anxiety symptoms were also greatly relieved.
The price is the only real "turn off".
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xp1155
Member
Registered: August 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 150
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Sun August 26, 2007
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Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
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PROS:
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minimal side effects
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CONS:
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dry mouth
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This drug didn't phase me one way or the other. They bumped it up pretty high and it didn't do a thing to me. The only thing I felt was dry mouth and it was tolerable. Even though it didn't help me, I would say it's pretty safe for most people to try.
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LadyLigeia
Newly Joined
Registered: August 2007
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Sun August 26, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
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PROS:
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if you want to kill your sex drive and have physical reminders when your an hour passed dosage time
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CONS:
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withdrawals, severe sexual side effects, based on theory
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horrid. period.
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lhanson
Junior Member
Registered: August 2007
Posts: 7
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Tue August 21, 2007
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Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2
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PROS:
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Temporarily relieved depression
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CONS:
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Severe internal shaking, racing thoughts, loss of reality, sleep issues
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Caused internal shaking and sleep issues in the beginning, but they subsided after a month or so, and stayed that way for another month or so..
Then the shaking came back even stronger and racing thoughts and loss of reality also showed up. This can be an extremely scary drug. Use with caution. It is WAY overprescribed.
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