I'm New Here...Anyone take Effexor XR with any luck?

Thanks for the info Stephanie!  I too have been on an Effexor XR withdrawal and I was also PSYCHOGIRL!  Not too pleasant!  :lol:  I hear that opening the capsule and sprinkling it on my food is an OK alternative so I may just end up doing that.  I will double check with my surgeon before I make any final decisions. Thanks again and take care! Debbie H

I, too, am bipolar.  Effexor, Lamictal, and seroquel.  I have discussed this surgery at length with my psychiatric ARNP, and also with my surgeon.  Both agree that I should change to the twice a day dosing of regular effexor, rather than stay on the XR.  Frankly, effexor was a last ditch effort wonder drug for my bipolar depression, and I am so fearful of not getting the full dosage of the XR (or going into the withdrawal from hell), I'm fine with changing. The lamictal and seroquel are good to go.  Yay!

Hi Anelize: Unfortunately the regular Effexor is not available in Canada as the manufacturer stopped making it here.  So I will have to have a real heart to heart with my surgeon and take his advice on what he thinks I should do. Thanks for the info and best of luck to you Debbie H

Debbie, Before my surgery I was on 300ml of Effexor XR. I went on the non time released tabs,  100ml 3 times a day, cut up into small pieces after my surgery. Eventually I was able to swallow the tablets whole. About 6 weeks ago I lost my health insurance, and I am getting my meds from my local county health department, but they don't have the non-time released tabs. The Doc wasn't sure what to do, I made the suggestion to split up my daily dose of 300ml into the Effexor XR 75ml  4 times a day. It has been working out great for me.  Since I am 2 yrs post op, I can take the capsoles whole, so you will need to open up the capsules and take them that way until you are able to swallow them whole. Debbie.....it will all work out!! I know it is scary, but trust me, you will be fine!! (( HUGS))

Hi Lanie: Thanks for the info and kind words.  It sounds like I don't have too much to worry about.  I appreciate your reassurance.  I will definitely try to take the Effexor XR in smaller doses more often. Thanks again! Hugs, Debbie

Hi Debbie,
I am pre-op so I can't help you with what taking certain meds will be like after surgery, but I too took 300 MG of effexor and recently switched to cymalta for tension related pain. Although I did have some withdrawl symptoms from weaning off of effexor (sleepy and melancholy) it was not too bad, and only last a few weeks. If you have problems with pain, I highly reccomend cymbalta-my back has not felt this good in the past 5 years. I was constantly going to the chiropractor, which did help, but within 3 days after and adjustment I needed another. Now I only get adjusted every other month. If you decide to switch, as long as your doctor reduces your dosage slowly over several weeks and works in your new anti-depressant, I think you'll do ok.

Hope this helps,
Jeanne

Hi Jeanne: This Cymbalta sounds great.  I have tons of pain from Fibromyalgia so I wonder if I should give it a try.  I suppose I will get myself through my surgery and then see what my doctor says.  I will research this med and see if it may help me. Thanks a bunch for the info! Debbie

I went from Effexor to Cymbalta and it has changed my life. I had a terrible time with withdrawls from Effexor. Cymbalta has really helped with depression, the pain in my muscles as well the Chronic IBS I have been battling for years. I was able to take the capsule after surgery with no problems. 

Thanks Tiny!  I have heard the same thing from a few people that Cymbalta is working really well for them after taking Effexor.  I have muscle problems (Fibromyalgia) and IBS too, so it sounds like a miracle to me!  I will see if my doctor will let me switch. Best wishes, Debbie H