Hi everyone,

My gyn has put me on Effexor xr. I am just reading up on this medicine and I am scared to death. I am on my 3rd day and feel nauseous, but other than that okay. What scares me is when it's time to get off it. The doctor said she will only keep me on for one year and then give me prozac to get off it. When I was in her office I didn't think anything of it, but after reading so much on the internet, just petrified of all the withdraw that I am reading. I've never been on any medicine like this other than my asthma.

Reading about it, is very scarey. But I am not much for medicine to begin with.

I am half tempted to just stop and deal with the reasons she put me on it. But hubby thinks I should give it a try and give the medicine some time.

Has anyone else been on this medicine? If so, how did you do?

Thanks in advance.

Allheart

AH sweetie, I understand your fear as I was scared SH!TLESS when the doctor first put me on it. But rest assured I came off with NO side effects whatsoever, didn't even need the prozac. I took it because I was having a hard time adjusting to new baby, full time job and full time student.

Now, I have my 2007 Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference text here beside me. What fears can I lay to rest for you?

Oh J-9 thank you so much!! God I just love you.

Well, I read it can effect your vision - weight gain ( alot) or weight loss. I guess it depends.
Sweat profusley (ooooh ick LOL). - and become zombie like.

And when it is time to come off I read it is awful. But you made me feel a whole lot better.

J-9 did it help you?

Oh, well as for vision changes YES!! I got to stop wearing my glasses, my vision seemed to be a little blurry for the first few weeks (until reaching therapeutic levels) then wizz bang one day I woke up and didn't need my glasses anymore. I have been off for about 2 years now and still don't need my glasses.

My husband has been on for a little over 3 years 75mg/day and his eyesight has improved also.

Weight gain/loss was not noticeable in either one of us. Sweating? Nope not eithre one of us.

Zombielike, well for about 2 days with no Effexor whatsoever (nothing at all) and I felt a little like this primarily in the evenings right before bed.

Now, mind you for a while there I was on a maximum dose of 300mg and tapered off correctly. If you taper as prescribed there are very little noticeable side effects.

Oh j9 thank you so much!! You made me feel tons better.

I just got so scared reading all the stuff on the net. But I do feel lots better and will report any strange happenings to my doc.

She wants to see me in 2 months to see how I am doing.

Thank you again for always being there!!

Hey, no problem doll. What I read on the internet scared me too. I am not sure what you read, but I was terrified. It all worked out wonderful, to say the least, (I no longer need glasses, LOL). I am sure you will be peachy on this too.

One thing I did not address was that you were experiencing a little nausea, you should take this med with food or milk to offset any GI disturbances.

I am sure you will be doing wonderful in 2 months. Don't worry your pretty little heart. You will be great!

Awww J9 thank you again and will be sure and eat with food & promise to keep you posted.

Your help today was just such a relief to me. Thank you.