Effexor????

I took Celexa for a long time and recently decided it just wasn't working any more.  I was really depressed and couldn't seem to shake it.  So I tried Wellbutrin.  I was much happier, except the least little thing could make me cry.  I know that sounds rather contridictory.  My Doc is now transisitioning me to Effexor XR. Has anyone used this?  Has it worked for you?  Any bad side effects?  My Doc said it wouldn't increase my appetite, please tell me he was right! Michele

i've been on effexor xr 150 mg for about 3 years.  the only adverse effect i've had was "the" weird dreams.  they did go away after a couple of months.  my dr said that she found effexor was one of the few the doesnt normally cause weight gain.

I had weird dreams on the Wellbutrin too.  One time I actually woke up screaming!  Then I dreamed my husband (he's past away a long time ago) came and took everything out of the drawers in my house, silver, linen, clothes, etc.  I've had many dreams about him over the years, but nothing like this one.  I hope I don't have the same reaction with the Effexor!  Dreams should be happy! Michele

My husband has been on Effexor XR for about 7 years. Prior to that he had taken numerous other antidepressants and this one seems to be the best, for him anyway. He is a vietnam vet and suffers from post tramatic war syndrom. He does have wierd dreams often, not sure if there from the meds or what. As far as eating more, I think any antidepressant increases your appetite, just need to eat the right things, If the meds make you feel better thats all that counts. Debra

The XR in Effexor XR means extended release.  We're not supposed to take extended release stuff because they pass through without delivering the medicine.  I was on Celexa for years and recently transitioned to Effexor.  Well, a generic of Effexor.  Long word which starts with a V.  God they taste terrible and I'm up to taking one, three times per day.  They're working and I can feel a difference.  It dissolves higher in the digestive track and delivers two brain chemicals... serotonin and something else I can't remember.  Helps with anxiety as well as depression.  I haven't noticed an increased appetite or any other bad side effects.  Just the bad taste.

Good point LInda, I'll make sure the Doc gives me the generic when he writes the script.  Right now I'm taking samples.  Can't beat the price! 

i take xr and i do absorb it because i empty the capsule on my tongue and swallow with water.  if u look at the effexor website you'll see that it is an acceptable way to take it.

OMG!  That has to taste bad.

If you are taking effor xr, don't stop taking it.  What your dr may not know is that you have to gradually get off ot it.  I tried to take myself off of it because of surgery.  It made me have vertigo so bad that I couldn't stand up and I was vomiting around the clock.  I thought I was going to die.   Come to find out my family dr didn't even know about the withdrawal symptoms that it causes.  I wound up in the ER.  IV's, EKG's, and one scared husband to boot.   I had gastric by pass surgery, 2 years ago this coming March.  I have been on Effexsor XR for the entire time.  It works well with me.  I do get depessed some days, especially days that the sun is not shining and other days that are harder than others (not very often, I live in TEXAS). Hope this info helps.  I just came on researching wound care and problems.  Saw your post and wanted to give my 2 cents.  LOL Good Luck.  Merry Christmas. Pam