Hello,

I have a question about some unusual symptoms I have been experiencing since doubling my dose of Effexor from 75mg to 150mg. I have been having severe muscle spasms, everything from my legs to my neck. Sleeping is difficult because I wake up frequently due to the spasms. I have been taking the double dose for 2 months. Is this a side effect of the medication? If so when will it stop?

Thanks,

Bridget

Hi,
These probably are side effects.
Please go to http://www.google.com and type in "effexor side effects", without quotes, then click on Search.

There are many, many links you need to read, some of these, such as drugs.com, give very good information on this and other anti-depressant drugs.

Do NOT go to the manufacturer's website of any of these drugs, cause it's only natural they will NOT give you all the side effects, even though it's required by law!

All anti-depressants have some side effects.

PLEASE talk with your doctor about them.
Best of luck,
fredg

The best person to ask is either your doctor or a pharmacist.


It does state tremors.


Effexor XR SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects of Effexor XR are reported to include sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation, sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these more serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult urination, skin rash. This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

I have read dozens of posts across the internet from people bashing Effexor and talking about what an evil drug it is. Well, I can't help what other people think, but I can tell you that I feel it was a life saver. I suffered from anxiety, panic, and depression. After a divorce, and financial problems, and 2 moves in 1 year, I had gotten to the point where I could not function. I went from being a very confident, self-assured person to a terrified, insecure, anxious mess. I have 2 small boys to raise, and I could not exist that way in front of them anymore. Now I had been on Effexor before for 2 years, and come off it! So I know all about the withdrawal symptoms, and yes they suck! They lasted for 3 weeks. Problem was I came off them before I should have. My post divorce adjustment was not over yet, and 3 months after I came off Effexor, I was a wreck again.
Yes there are side affects! Yes, I too get night sweats for the first several months. Yes, when you come off Effexor, it sucks and the withdrawals are bad. But Effexor took me from feeling like I was going to go crazy, and opened the light for me and allowed me to find myself again, and look forward to each day. I dread to think of what I would be like right now without it. So give Effexor a chance! It has helped thousands of people, like me!

Effexor was a life saver to both me and my husband. I was on for two years while adjusting from being a homemaker with an 8 year old and a newborn and then going back to college. I have a great doctor who suggested taking my meds in the morning, therefore minimizing side effects while sleeping. My husband is still on it and suffers from slight nausea after he takes it in the morning. Now he is taking it at bedtime too.

The withdrawals were a little uncomfortable for me, tremors mostly, but keeping my mind busy made me not notice these as much.

But as always, ask you physician, or better yet a pharmacist. Parmacists know quite a bit more about drug effects than physicians due due to their chemistry background. My pharmacist is the first one I always call for questions.