Posted by sid on December 20, 2001, at 9:47:04
In reply to Effexor XR and side effects., posted by mikel on December 20, 2001, at 9:26:45
I use Effexor "XR" (extended release) - there are less side effects with it than with the tablets (Effexor).
I had major insomnia the first 5 days, since then it's been better. I felt stoned for 3-4 days, pupils dilated and all. I could not drive like that, and pretty much stayed home until the 6th day when most side effects subsided. I still have some insomnia around 5AM, but I can usually go back to sleep around 5:30 or 6AM until 7AM now. I did not have headaches, but bruxism - I still have that. I have a mouth protector for it though, so it's OK (protecting my teeth in my sleep).
I'm doing better. Felt better after about 6-7 days - more optimistic and willing to go out and enjoy myself. More sociable too. I'm still on 37.5mg and seeing my doc today - I assume we'll up the dosage to 75mg. I had never taken any ADs and now I only have low-grade chronic depression, perhaps that's why I got some positive results with such low dosage. Usually it takes at least 75mg a day.
It is better to change the dosage only once major side effects have subsided. I take notes everyday of the side effects so my doctor is aware of them at each visit. It mught help convince your doc not to change the dosage too fast if you do that.
I hope you can find some relief with Effexor - most people have side effects with it at the beginning I think.
> On day 3 of 37.5mg of EffexorXR for anxiety and depression. Switching from Serzone which did not do the trick. Feel totally wired on effexor, can't sleep, headache. Anyone start out with thes side effects and had success. I need some positive incentive to stick with it, I feel like crap.
poster:sid
thread:87510
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87512.html