Effexor Sickness

Trisheo--I was switched from Citalopram to Effexor in mid June.  It was a gradual with-drawl with a med-free couple of weeks prior to starting Effexor.  The day after I started it, I became incredibly nauseated, had chills, confusion, and very little energy (couldn't get off the couch).  For me, these side effects were short-lived, even with increasing the dosage, and I started feeling better a couple weeks later.  Now, I wouldn't consider NOT taking it....my anxiety and depression seem to be under control, which is allowing me to focus on trying to move forward.  Like many meds, there are some se's that are ongoing, but for me, nothing as severe as what I was experiencing on Citalopram. 

It is, however, important to realize that we are all unique and what works for one person, may not be the answer for another.  The only thing that is universal is that there seems to be no "quick" fixes .  I feel your frustration and pain.....this part of my bc journey I found to be the most difficult.  It's a process and still ongoing for me.  All I can suggest is that you give it a few weeks; you will get past the sickness, and then, will slowly figure out whether this one is right for you.  Also, it's important that you follow your doctor's instructions when starting or stopping any of these type of meds.....they know what they're talking about!!

This can be a very lonely and isolating time....just know that there are people out here who do understand and may be able to help.  I will keep you in my thoughts!!

(((((( )))))) Sandy

p.s. I rarely took an Advil prior to being dx with bc.  I was very reluctant to go this route, but am so glad now that I did.   

If the side effects with Effexor continue you can ask your Drs. if there is another med they could try. Thankfully, there are plenty of other meds out there that can accomplish the same results.

I was on Zoloft but had to switch to Effexor due to taking Tamoxifen.  My body would not adjust to the Effexor at all.  I felt totally weird on that stuff.  I decided to drop the medication and instead go into weekly therapy and try my best to deal with the hot flashes.  I just never had any luck with anti-depressants in the past except for the zoloft.  Each person reacts different to medication so maybe you can talk to your doctor about what is going on and see what he/she suggests.

Yes, I am irritable, lack patience, mental case to the max but I guess this is the new "me" and I am trying to find a way to adjust to it -not working yet but not giving up on myself yet.

Hi Trisheo. I've been on effexor for about 2 months now. I started with 37.5 mg generic and was pretty sick on it, especially for the first week or so (which was surprising to me, because I usually have a steel stomach!). Plus just the taste of the generic pills made me nauseous. I switched to the name brand when I went up to 75 mg and am doing fine.

I wish you the best with effexor and hope that awful SE diminishes soon!

Jen

I was given effexor after giving birth to my twins, I was so depressed and couldn't handle the daily life of being a twin mom. I was on the lowest dose possible and still cut the capsules in half and still felt like a babbling idiot while on it. I sat on the couch just watching the girls play and everyone else do things. I just didn't have the energy to move...I didn't want to move or participate. I found the drugs to be worse than the illness. After about a month of it, I told my dr I couldn't live like this and he gave me xanax for when i needed it.