I started on 37.5mg the 6th of January which the first 4 to 5 days gave me heartburn around the clock. So thankfully that went away. OK, began on 75Mg doctor's orders 2 day's ago and noticed felt kinda fatigued those 2 day's and after waking up started having awful cramps and had to hit the bathroom. I ended up going about 7 times until nothing but water was coming out. Restored my Electrolytes with lot's of water and some gatorade. Is this happend to anybody and how long if so? I went back to just 37.5 today, but that's just not going to be enough.
Increasing Effexor XR from 37.5mg to 75mg and got sort of a funny question?
Question posted by Quando62 on 20 Jan 2018
Last updated on 21 March 2022 by Reoqueen1
4 Answers
Reoqueen1
21 March 2022
Just started 8 days on the low dose. Side effects of dizziness, dry mouth, weakness and sleeplessness have knocked me for a loop. I never know what the next day will bring. Crazy enough my indigestion I had prior went away during this. My doc says hang in there. But concerned now about cholesterol and high blood pressure which have always been under control. Very scared now!
expatbrit55
26 Oct 2018
As I mentioned somewhere else, in a clinic setting I was happy to start back on a graduated regime of effexor - really needed both the lightening of mood and boost to energy it provided to dig me out of the deep hole that profound depression had dug me into.
First of couple of (37.5) days were nasty with liquid diarrhea (no pain, no cramps)... after that? Day by day... better. Up to 150 mg after six weeks.
Now, ten months on, doing mostly ok. So hang on in there... oddly enough have read a lot about side effects on low dosage, far fewer on higher doses. One explanation that comes to mind is that once the real effects kick in, side effects fade away...
So hang on in there. Persevere. This might not be right for you but there are loads of meds out there. Hang on and take care... sending a hug.
Rina-K
2 Sep 2018
Hi Quando62, I too recently started 37.5 Effexor xr along with xanax .5 2x daily because not only was I depressed, my panic/anxiety disorder was off the hook. I only experienced nausea the first day on the 37.5 dose, but also started to feel immediately better and less depressed. The Xanax is temporary until the benefits of the Effexor for panic/anxiety can take effect. I tolerated the dose well so I went up to 75 mlgs of Effexor XR and for half a day felt alot of tension in my chest area but just went with it and it went away. The second day I woke up feeling better but also a bit anxious, all of these are side effect symptoms one can feel that do go away, including yours. Granted, you side effects are worse than mine and you should talk to your Dr about them bc you certainly do not want to become dehydrated, etc. But I have found that on the other side of these temporary side effects is this wonderful feeling of NORMALCY.
So, unless you're side effects are persistent and/or worsen, please hang in there bc you might just see the light at the end of the tunnel and start to feel remarkably better. Best wishes to you on tour journey to restore your emotional balance! Rina-K
Patti007
31 Jan 2020
There are a list of 'common' side effects like what you are experiencing. There are several other side effects that are listed as not common or rare. I have had what I thought was ingestion since I started Effexor. On the lowest dose for past 2 1/2 years. The ingestion turned into a ball like feeling in my chest. Had an ultrasound yesterday and several spots were found on my liver! Suggested fat cysts. I am 62. Always healthy, practically vegetarian, no dairy, active. My cholesterol up to 3 years ago was GOOD. Each year since Effexor my cholesterol has spiked. I am believing that is why I have liver problem. High cholesterol is listed as a side effect as well as high blood pressure. Mine was always low. I am having an MRI done today. I truly believe this is all due to the Effexor. So get your cholesterol checked! I am looking for another alternative for panic attacks as well.
Patti007
31 Jan 2020
There are a list of 'common' side effects like what you are experiencing. There are several other side effects that are listed as not common or rare. I have had what I thought was ingestion since I started Effexor. On the lowest dose for past 2 1/2 years. The ingestion turned into a ball like feeling in my chest. Had an ultrasound yesterday and several spots were found on my liver! Suggested fat cysts. I am 62. Always healthy, practically vegetarian, no dairy, active. My cholesterol up to 3 years ago was GOOD. Each year since Effexor my cholesterol has spiked. I am believing that is why I have liver problem. High cholesterol is listed as a side effect as well as high blood pressure. Mine was always low. I am having an MRI done today. I truly believe this is all due to the Effexor. So get your cholesterol checked! I am looking for another alternative for panic attacks as well.
WildcatVet
20 Jan 2018
Hi, Quando! It's not a funny question because you're risking dehydration if this keeps up. Unfortunately, this is a rather common side effect that could last several days to a week or so. You should probably notify your doctor (or the doctor on call) for professional advice about what you can take to counteract the problem and whether you should take the lower dose for awhile longer until your metabolism adjusts to the medication.
"Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 35%), dry mouth ( up to 17%), constipation (12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, eructation."
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Quando62
20 Jan 2018
Thanks very much on your good advise.
Lynn 351
20 Jan 2018
I have been on Effexsor starting at 37.5 for a month then 75 for a month, now I am on 112.5 for six weeks. In the beginning I had horrible heartburn for a while along with gas and burbbing. I also had stomach cramps and bad constipation. As time went on the side effects went away but it took some time. In the last week I had some vivid dreams which woke me up. It has helped my anxiety and depression so stick with it.
Quando62
24 Jan 2018
Thanks Lynn, that is exactly what I am having going up is 24/7 cramping and constipation. I have IBS so already had tummy pains to begin with...
Lynn 351
24 Jan 2018
I was showing real improvement at 112.5 but then plateaued, anxiety started back up moved up to 150mg. Having side effects like sweating when I first wake up and stomach issues. They went away before here’s hoping. I drink lots of water which helps. We can be a support for each other
Lynn 351
24 Jan 2018
I am only day 3 at 150.
Lynn 351
28 Jan 2018
Are you feeling better now Quando?
Related topics
effexor, effexor xr, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, gerd, major depressive disorder, doctor
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
