Hi everyone. I've been taking Zoloft for a few months (due to dealing with H's A) and doing pretty well with it. However, because I have problems with hot flashes, my Dr. wants me to change to Effexor which is supposed to help hot flashes. I've heard that Effexor can cause major withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Has anyone had experience with that?
Andi

I used it once but for a different reason; not depression. It gave me very vivid dreams; which was kind of neat. But when coming off of it, one side affect was tingling sensation in my fingers and toes that would come in burst of 3 or 4 at a time. That happened for several weeks after I stopped taking it.

My sister was on Effexor and her only side effect was weight gain. I don't remember if she had withdrawal when she switched to Wellbutrin.

<small>[ August 04, 2004, 04:42 AM: Message edited by: Broken Vessell ]</small>

<small>[ August 04, 2004, 04:42 AM: Message edited by: Broken Vessell ]</small>

I have taken it. For depression and when taking it, I had many side affects.. and I stopped taking it as soon as my insurance quit paying for it... and the ride down was suicidal.

1. feeling like my head was a helium ballon.. like walking on air
2. horrible full body night sweats, soaking my sheets, mattress cover and mattress nightly.
3. very vivid nightmares and dreams
4. feeling of dys·pho·ri·a
5. selfcenteredness

Yes, I tried it. For me, it had unfortunate sexual side effects, and losing that wasn't acceptable to me. So, I got off of it...it has been a while, so I don't recall how long the "stepping down" process was...I do know it was not something you could just quit, but had to step down...but following the directions given, I had no problem getting off it.

I don't recall having any major side effects from being on Effexor. I was on it for about 5 or 6 months in 2003.

I didn't have to do much of a weaning process, according to my doctor. He said that b/c my reasons for being on it were situational (dealing with H's crap - arrests, A's, etc), then it would be easier for me to get off of it. In my case, just as Dr.Harley suggests, taking the anti=d was to help get me over some major emotional humps; not something I needed long term.

Karen

Do not take Effexor under ANY circumstances! I took 150mg's for about 18 months. The drug made me more lethargic and actually caused my symptoms of depression to become more severe. I would barely make it through the week at work and then sleep until 2-4 pm on the weekends. I had vivid dreams and problems with SF while on Effexor. I have been Effexor free for about one and one-half weeks now and still have symptoms from withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms for me included: hearing a noise that sounded like a ceiling fan from time to time, being moody, brain zaps and feeling lightheaded. Their are many websites dedicated to Effexor withdrawal issues, so do some reading there as well. I plan to see my doctor this week to see about getting on Wellbutrin. Many folks seem to feel that Wellbutrin is a better choice than Effexor or Paxil.

Thanks everyone. What I hear from most of you is what I've read elsewhere. I don't think I'm going to risk it. As I said, I'm doing well on Zoloft and except for some over-all tiredness, it really doesn't have any side effects for me. I'll have to deal with the menopausal hot flashes another way. (I can't take hormone replacement.)
Andi