First few days on Effexor

[AprilMich]

Bipolar depression is common in my family and there is a high chance that I may have it but have not yet shown symptoms of it. I have been treated for depression and was on Prozac; a very low dose of 10 mg. I am now placed on 75 mg of Effexor and have noticed changes in the way I am reacting to it. Today is day four and since I have started taking this antidepressant, I have not slept or eaten as it is hard to swallow food. My balance is off to the point where it takes awhile to get out of bed in the morning, it's similar to vertigo. Headaches have become common in the last few days. I've been drinking water like it's my job. Is anyone else on this medication? Would you happen to know if these are only temporary? Also, as I've been told, this drug may not be the best? Besides that, my change in mood has been noted.

[Slaka]

I haven't been on it but when I first started Cymbalta I had a million symptoms that were driving me nuts but after a week it was like every day I had one less symptom. I would talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what symptoms are considered an alergic reaction so you know what symptoms to be concerned about and which ones to not worry about for a while just to be safe.
Good luck.
Slaka

[AprilMich]

Thanks for the advice!

[Fey]

I'm on 75mg and didn't have any side effects when I first started taking it, but then everyone's physiology and brain chemistry is different. I would give it a bit more time as taking a new drug, especially when you've been on another prior to that, can take time to settle with your body. If in doubt, just talk to your doctor

[urlelove]

I have been taking effexor for a year, because I was having panic attacks. My panics attacks stopped shortly after starting the med. I feel
happier than I've felt in along time. I use to have a real short fuse. I have gained 20 pounds
and I feel like I am in a fog, I can't seem to
remember things and can't think clearly. I am
now up to 150 mgs. I was thinking maybe I need
to stop taking it now, but I'm scared I'll go
back to having panic attacks again.

[Jen929]

I've been taking Effexor about 4 months now. I went up to 150 mg, flirted with 225, then back down to 150. I haven't had nausea, vertigo, but have had headaches, dry mouth/dehydration (drink lots of water!) When I went to 225 mg, I had crazy vivid dreams at night--that was kinda fun.

I would worry about the not being able to sleep or eat and maybe call your doctor about that.

My pdoc told me that Effexor is not the first drug he trys on a patient, but it's the one he tries when others have failed. I've read some horror stories about getting off Effexor, but each body and experience is different.

[Trueblue]

I've been on Effexor for about 2 months now. I'm only on 75 mg. It seemed like it was helping but lately my blood pressure has been extremely high. I've been very dizzy. I was told this is a side effect. I already suffer from high blood pressure and had it under control before starting this medicine.

[eeyore]

Been on Efexor for 7 years and then some, only drug that has really worked for me. Side effects are long gone