Question 1

no luck with lexapro, is effexor (venlafaxine) a good second choice for treating depression and anxiety in a 22 year old in good health otherwise?

Accepted Answer

Many possibilities: There are many antidepressants from which to choose. Recent studies suggest that just because 1st drug from a family doesn't work doesn't mean that you need to switch drug families. Also, we can't say a drug didn't work unless you couldn't tolerate the highest dose. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a member of ssri family of which there are many. Talk to your doc about all your options (sometimes dictated by insurance).

Question 2

long term side effects of effexor (venlafaxine)?

Accepted Answer

Effexor (venlafaxine): Effexor (venlafaxine) is used to treat depression and anxiety. The most common are headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, blureed vision and withdrawals if tapered off too quickly.
The best advice is to call your doctor for medical advice about side effects, if concerned.

Question 3

is it possible for long term use of effexor (venlafaxine) to cause severe gi problems?

Accepted Answer

Reversible: Alot of the psychiatric medications can cause GI side effects. Usually constipation is a problem. This is because there is alot of serotonergic innerevation in the GI system, maybe even more than the brain. But, the bowels usually adapt, and if not they normalize when the med is discontinued.

Question 4

i take effexor at a 175 mg dosage but i'm trying to go off so i went to 125mg then to 50mg and experienced no side effects and now i went off it completely and i feel super sick but i just got out of the military so i no longer have access to my psyc?

Accepted Answer

: It is hard to get emergency psychiatric appointments.  If you feel too uncomfortable to remain at home, urgent care may be helpful.  Bring all your medications with you.  Best wishes.

Question 5

could long term use of effexor (venlafaxine) cause severe gastrointestinal problems?

Accepted Answer

To date,: there are no long term effects of effexor (venlafaxine). It can cause GI effects- these are not severe symptoms, usually go away, and are limited to diarrhea or conversely in some patients, constipation; nausea, and rarely vomiting. Again it&#x27;s usually early on. 

If you&#x27;re suffering from severe gastrointestinal problems, you need to see your Primary care provider to have this checked. 
Good luck!

Question 6

yest. i took an extra effexor (venlafaxine) 150mg pill by accident on top of usual dose. heart rt seemed elevated but back to normal now.  chance of long term harm?

Accepted Answer

Probably ok: I've seen pts taking 600mg/day regularly with no ill effects--so you are probably in no danger--probably should run it by your doc to see what he/she says

Question 7

can brain zaps (like the withdrawal from effexor) be from too little serotinin? no longer take it but still get them. odd?

Accepted Answer

Ask Dr: Stopping an SSRI can be very challenging for some and it is very important to have close monitoring by a doctor of any symptoms that develop or stay. It needs to be done slowly and each person's characteristics can make a difference. It's worth doing but it must be done carefully. Don't try to handle it alone - you want the doctor to be responsible for these decisions. Glad you're better now!

Question 8

sexual side effects from effexor (venlafaxine) i'm taking effexor (venlafaxine) for headaches and i can no longer ejaculate unless i try really hard for a long time and it's exhausting. normally i can ejaculate within a minute now it's taking 10 or more.

Accepted Answer

Do : Do you have a specific question?  I'd probably be bothered by the symptoms you are describing, which are definitely possible from taking effexor (venlafaxine).  I'd recommend going back to the physician prescribing this medication and discuss alternatives.

Question 9

adderall, effexor (venlafaxine) and klonipin no longer seem to be working. contant fatigue irritatingly overall stressed and depression can't function take more adderall than i should just to get relief.

Accepted Answer

Medication Effects: I understand your discomfort.
You deserve relief.
Adderall is a medication for Attention deficit disorder, Effexor (venlafaxine) for depression and Klonopin for Anxiety.
Combination of all three medications can cause irritability, fatigue and depression.
Use Breathing Relaxation, Visual Imagery, Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation.
See a Psychiatrist for diagnosis, need for medication, dose, benefits and side effects, Therapy

Question 10

can you exercise on effexor (venlafaxine)?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Yes, you can exercise on effexor (venlafaxine). However, if your blood pressure has been elevated while you are taking this medicine, you should check with your doctor to see if your dose should be lowered or switch to a different medication. The risks and benefits of treatment should be discussed with you.

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Doctor answers about:

Any long term health affects with effexor

A member asked:

No luck with lexapro, is effexor (venlafaxine) a good second choice for treating depression and anxiety in a 22 year old in good health otherwise?

A member asked:

Long term side effects of effexor (venlafaxine)?

A member asked:

Is it possible for long term use of effexor (venlafaxine) to cause severe gi problems?

A member asked:

I take effexor at a 175 mg dosage but i'm trying to go off so i went to 125mg then to 50mg and experienced no side effects and now i went off it completely and i feel super sick but i just got out of the military so i no longer have access to my psyc?

A member asked:

Could long term use of effexor (venlafaxine) cause severe gastrointestinal problems?

A member asked:

Yest. i took an extra effexor (venlafaxine) 150mg pill by accident on top of usual dose. heart rt seemed elevated but back to normal now. chance of long term harm?

A member asked:

Can brain zaps (like the withdrawal from effexor) be from too little serotinin? no longer take it but still get them. odd?

A member asked:

Sexual side effects from effexor (venlafaxine) i'm taking effexor (venlafaxine) for headaches and i can no longer ejaculate unless i try really hard for a long time and it's exhausting. normally i can ejaculate within a minute now it's taking 10 or more.

A member asked:

Adderall, effexor (venlafaxine) and klonipin no longer seem to be working. contant fatigue irritatingly overall stressed and depression can't function take more adderall than i should just to get relief.

A member asked:

Can you exercise on effexor (venlafaxine)?

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