effexor xr

has anyone taken this for anxiety?  re we allowed to take it due to it being extended release?  any info would be great.......dr prescribed it on thursday and Im a little nervous about taking it.......thanks

I have a friend in my support group that takes this drug and she has no issues with it at all. She has been on it since she had surgery over 2 years ago.

I took Effexor for 2 years after my WLS.  It worked great on my depression and anxiety, better than Zoloft.  I had it both in capsule and pill form; neither caused me problems. However...... a warning. This is not an easy drug to withdraw from.  Coming off Zoloft takes a few days of dizzyness, but the withdrawal effects from Effexor lasted 7 weeks for me.   Everytime I moved my head, I got this weird zapping sensation in my skull.   Try googling "effexor withdrawal" and you'll find alot of support groups that have sprung up.  Try:  .www.join-the-fun.com/effexor-withdrawal It's a great drug, but don't stop taking it without consulting your doctor.    Good luck.

Nancy brings up a very good point.  Effexor xr is a drug that you have to slowly ween off of.  Even if you are going to a different drug there are ways to be safely weened and you should never quit cold turkey.  Good luck, Bobbi

I took effexor xr for about 6 months and switched to Zoloft.  I did not care for the side effects of the Effexor at all.  It did help with my depression but I like Zoloft much better.  Any of these you need to give a couple weeks to really get into your system and if you don't like them then let your doctor know write away there is something that works for everyone out there.  good luck

I've taken Effexor XR for years and after surgery, I just open the capsules and take them that way.  Works fine for me.