Posted by SKM on September 21, 2000, at 17:08:00
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I've been on Effexor for 2 1/2 years. Had tried a series of medications before settling on this one. After about 1 year, added Buspar to augment. Effexor definitely has helped. I was going through my 2nd serious depression when I began taking it.
Side effects were many: muscle spasms, loss of appetite for a long time, vision blur, etc. Those eventually subsided as I was told they probably would. The long-term side effect has been sexual. After 2 1/2 years I feel like I have almost a zero-level interest in sex. When I do have sex, generally I don't have an orgasm. I get an erection but just don't orgasm. My psychiatrist put me on Viagra to see if that would help and, I would say, it did help for awhile. But it's hard to create an interest that I don't feel. Of course, this can cause problems in relationships.
I was wondering if anyone else has sexual side effects from their Effexor. I take 375mg a day. I used to be on the regular stuff, now I'm on XR. It's certainly easier taking it all in one dose than having to spread it out through the day.
I usually take only 75mg on a day when my wife and I are planning (yes, have to plan that now) to have sex; this tends to create a more positive outcome. However, the withdrawal on that day always makes me feel like crap by the time we get around to lovemaking; very dizzy, unconnected, clumsy, blurred vision...overall rotten feeling.
For those who are beginning a course of medication, my doctor began slowly. Usually we increased my dosage every 2 wks until I was at a level that seemed to be working. If, in time, it was losing its effect, we increased slowly. The same plan should be followed when weaning; slowly.
I've actually had another long-term side effect; that has been in sleep disruption. So, every now and then I take ambien to get my pattern straightened out.
So, if anyone has any comments, I would be happy to hear.
Thanks,
SKM
poster:SKM
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/45020.html