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Long term effects AFTER withdrawing from Effexor
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Dec 1 11:46am | Replies (201)Comment receiving replies
I have been on Effexor for many years now. It has really helped with my depression that I have always had.
I did try to cut back on Effexor years ago but I didn’t feel good so I went back. What reason do others have for getting off Effexor? Is it the fear of being dependent, is it the cost, or just not needing to take it anymore? I would be interested to know the reasons.
Replies to "I have been on Effexor for many years now. It has really helped with my depression..."
As I've commented in other posts, I was on Effexor XR for way too many years. Created copious issues, the worst being terrifying hallucinations and mind-blowing night terrors. AND high blood pressure issues, which I have up to this day (taking 2 medications, metoprolol succinate and losartan). The horrid effects on my life affected my emotional and mental health, so definitely was not being effective on those aspects! But did not go cold-turkey. Had guided help from a neurologist who created a weaning-schedule. Took a seriously long time to finally be off the drug. I learned over time that I'm highly sensitive to all antidepressants (tried several), pain killers, and even statins. Lucky me🙄.
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This is by no means a definitive list, but here are some reasons why people quit Effexor/venlafaxine:
* It quit working for their mental, or emotional issues.
* Their doctor wants to put them on a different medication.
* It can interact with other drugs a patient takes, or may need to take.
* The person starts having suicidal thoughts and indulging in risky behaviors.
* The person feels "foggy," or perhaps, has a blunting of any/all emotions.
* It's causing health issues—raising blood pressure, weight gain/loss, dizziness, nausea, constipation, affecting eyes/vision, sweating, insomnia, etc.
* The person wants to get pregnant and doesn't want this drug to affect the fetus; it may also cause a miscarriage.
* Men might have difficulty achieving/keeping an erection during sex and both sexes can have difficulty reaching an orgasm, or even lose their sex drive altogether.
* They can no longer afford their prescription.
* Loss of insurance coverage, or insurance no longer covers the cost, or allows the drug.
* It is difficult, or impossible to get this medication in some places.
* Missing even one dose can cause withdrawal effects—some people are not good at keeping on a dosing schedule.
* If it's being used off-label to mitigate hot flashes, the person may no longer need it after a number of years.
* The patient can no longer get a prescription (their doctor retires or leaves the practice, or even drops the patient).