Question:
Can I take Effexor XR after surgery?

I've been on Effexor for a couple of years. I call it my "crazy" pill. I started taking it when my company downsized and my workload was stressing me out (HR, Payroll, A/P and on and on for 100 employees). Now I seem to be able to cope with whatever comes my way. If I don't get everything done before I leave for the day - so what? I used to want to shove it all off in the floor and just cry. Now it doesn't matter if I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel - it will all still be there tomorrow - and who else are they going to get to do it? I've been there for 20 years and they laid off everybody else! I certainly hope I don't have to give up this medication after I have surgery. Have any of you been on Effexor and continued to take it after surgery or am I going to have to find a new "crazy" pill? - Oh - and I'm NOT saying that people who take anti-depressants are crazy - that's just my little saying for me - so PLEASE don't get hostile. -Margaret    — Margaret G. (posted on March 8, 2002)

March 8, 2002
Margaret, I was on Effexor XR after surgery, well in fact I am still on it. I was up to 225 mg, but then found that it was helping me keep my weight on. My surgeon said that it was because the Effexor stimulated my appetite. I have now weaned down to 37.5 mg a day plus I have added Celexa. In the week that I went from 150 mg to 75 mg I dropped eight pounds!!!!!! I must add that once you have been on Effexor, it seems to be a very hard drug to stop. I tried to quit taking it when I had gotten down to 75 mg, and still suffered the horrible drug withdrawals. I have spoken with many others who have the exact same problem. Good luck in whatever you decide. All drugs seem to effect everyone differently so you may have better luck.
   — KLandrum

March 8, 2002
Margaret... I am laughing at the reference to "crazy" pills! That's what I've always called mine :). You'll get no hostility here... I switched from Effexor back to Zoloft post-op due to the size of the pills. Effexor's horse-pill sized, and my Zoloft is like a big tic tac. I'm now 2 wks out and could tolerate swallowing the Effexor. Zoloft just happens to work better for me anyway, so I'm sticking with it. The first few days post-op they didn't want me taking anything... even my hormones... Imagine, NO crazy pills and HOT FLASHES! lol... Talk to your doctor... I've read here that some empty out the Effexor capsules and mix them with applesauce to get them down until they feel able to swallow them. Best of luck to you... e-mail me if you'd like!
   — Michelle B.

March 8, 2002
Worst case scenario--your psychiatrist can switch you to the pills instead of the time-release capsules. I am a psychiatrist and I've been on Effexor XR. My highest dose was 450 mg! I haven't had any difficulty coming off of it...except that I still need it! I intend to continue meds after surgery...non-extended release, if necessary.
   — Pamela B.

March 9, 2002
Hi margaret, I didn't start taking antidepressants until I was 6 months out (proabably neede them before then (Ha). I was at one time on 150 mgs of Effexor XR and 200 mgs of Zoloft with 1 mg. of xanax 3 times a day. I was also on a mood stabilizer (300 mgs.Topamax). Something made me gain weight, it wasn't the Topamax because it decreases the appetite and makes you so incredibly thirsty. My Psychiartist thinks it was the Effexor XR. needeless to say I had her to ween me off of all. Now I'm on Celexa, ativan and Lamactil (a different mood stabilizer). Now although I'm still on this 7 month plateau, I've not gained weight at all. (haven't lost any either :(
   — corpdiva2006

March 9, 2002
Hi yes you can still take your effexor after surgery I take the time released capsuls & my doc just told me to break them open & take it with some jell-o. I have'nt had any problems with it but I suggest that you wait at least a couple of weeks before taking it & as long as you exercise you should loss weight without any problems....
   — Jennifer F.

March 10, 2002
Margaret I also take effexor xr and before surgery I talked to my pcp and to the pharmacist and they both told me that I would be able to take them after surgery. I would just pull the capsule apart and mix it with some applesauce and have had no problems whatsoever, I only missed one day and that was the day of surgery. After my 3wk. check-up my surgeon said I could stop putting them in applesauce and take them regularly and that it what I do now without them getting stuck, infact I take all of my vitamins and,my hormones and effexor without crushing or chewing any of them. Hope this helps, talk to your pharmacist about any concerns you have about your medications they really know.
   — Jennie D.

March 10, 2002
I had to go to the Effexor instant release, because even when I took the XR apart and swallowed the itty bitty capsules inside I was still passing them and not absorbing them. But, everyone is different. Good luck, and remember, you're not alone in having to take those "craxy pills." I hate taking 'em, but I'd be a lot worse off if I didn't. LOL Love, Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

March 11, 2002
I am 3 months out and take Effexor. i take it at night. I am doing well w/ it.
   — Cindee A.