Does long-term use of Effexor lead to memory loss, brain damage and/or dementia? I know it inhibits platelet aggregation and leads to bleeding and severe bruising resulting from a very slight impact. As I am aged 66 years, I am concerned that continued use of Effexor may hasten dementia and memory loss.
What is the effect on the brain of long-term use of Effexor?
Question posted by elaineatkins on 5 Jan 2012
Last updated on 4 March 2023
Added 5 Jan 2012:
Does long-term use of effexor lead to hypertension? I already have severe bruising particularly on hands and wrists from a very slight impact? Bleeding time seems to be increased and these bruises increase in diameter during a couple of hours and take about three weeks to resolve. Can effexor also cause bleeding in the gut?
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Answers Page 2
Inactive
5 Jan 2012
Hello elaineatkins. Its a question that is often asked as we become older. You've brought up effexor and it really can be said for other drugs as well. I'm in my sixties, and as yourself, find myself looking at, well in my case psychiatric drugs and how they effect us as we age. Not taking away your concerns as to your question, my answer might be that you yourself will know best how effexor might be effecting your memory. I believe effexor came out in the early nineties, late eighties, and long term studies on use and age might not have yet been done. I know that in regards to side effects when taking effexor if a person develops them while having been on the drug for some time, if the dosage is lowered they most usually more often than not ease up and then do disappear. So, my answer to your question is that you'll have to keep an eye out, we are our own doctor when it comes to our bodies, and generally know or can sense when something is not right. But I feel that damage to the brain, as well as the possibilty of or actual helping to contribute to dementia, are most probably slim. Mind you if a person were to have already shown various symptons such as having short or long term memory loss, venlafaxine would highlight those symptons. All of the above is my point of view and opinion. Best of wishes,pledge
elaineatkins
7 Jan 2012
Thank you very much for your response. I have been taking effexor for about 18 years when my mother was murdered. It has helped me to survive all this time, and in my fifties I completed a Law degree which convinced me that my brain was still working at that stage. However I can now see that my short term memory is deteriorating, and although this may have occurred anyway, with or without effexor, it does concern me. Another possible side effect I am now suffering is severe skin bruising from the slightest impact (caused by decreased platelet aggregation and resulting longer bleeding time). This only occurs on my hands and wrists at present. Elsewhere on my body I receive normal bruises which require a substantial impact to occur, as in the past.
I have been told that withdrawal from effexor is very difficult.
alice lafeche
24 May 2015
I believe that losing your short term memory is a normal sign of aging. Don't worry. A law degree in your 50s? Now that is amazing!!!
alice lafeche
24 May 2015
I have been taking effexor now for 8 years and wouldn't want to live without it.
I stopped drinking alcohol which increased my memory.
I bruise as well and am allergic to aspirin. Maybe you are too.
Learning a new language is good brain exercise as you get older and it is fun! There is also the Luminosity program to increase memory with exercises. No need to worry!
marieclairepinet
18 Oct 2015
Aline,
It doesn't mean that your brain is not affected. I may have worked for your alcoholism but it doesn't mean there are no side effects. I guess we have to make a list of the positive and the negative sides of taking this drug and chose the best side.
narayase
2 March 2016
Marie- I agree with you...
Pledge- I tend to disagree with your comment. I have been on Effexor 150 mg XR for over 12 years and have brain fog, short term memory loss, so I do believe that it is from the long term use of the Effexor. I am 54 years old and am seeing my neurologist tomorrow. I literally feel as if I am getting Alzheimers and he says I am not. So we will see what he says tomorrow, because I am getting worse and worse...
sheila
ab12cd34
23 April 2017
I've been on 300 mgs of Effexor for over 20 years. I'm not certain it's even working anymore. However, I continue to take it because I know empirically and anecdotally that it's a bitch to get off. Even missing one dose can trigger extreme withdrawal. The madness of withdrawal can last for years. I'm unwilling to subject myself to that incomprehensible withdrawal again. So productive or not, I'm on effexor for life. Consider this before beginning Effexor.
Breezymae
17 June 2017
I am 26 years old, and I have been taking Effexor for about 10 years (can't recall when I started). I have always noticed that I have terrible memory, but it seems to be getting worse. Although my reasoning for taking Effexor does play a part, I am increasingly concerned that this drug is responsible for most of my lack of memory recall (short and long term). You also mentioned something about the withdrawals when dose is lowered or stopped, and I can personally tell you- trying to stop this Effexor (no matter how slowly) is the worst experience as far as medication adjustment goes.
Christianepog
28 July 2017
I have been taking Effexor for 18 years, 150 mg. This drug has helped me enomoursly in all these years. The only side-effect I can possibly relate to is constipation. Of course, I am wondering about aging (I am 64). Last year, I tried to decrease the dose by 10% over several months, but I felt a disbalanced feeling. I decided that it is not worth decreasing it if I was to feel not right.
All these years I had no anxiety at all, had plenty of energy and was able to do many things I could not have imagined to do. Besides, my memory seems just normal.
If anyone has had a similar or different experience with this drug, I would love to know about it.
Thanks in advanced.
Chris
ab12cd34
22 Nov 2017
Someone mentioned Effexor withdrawal as being difficult. The word I would use is hellish. I've tried twice to get off Effexor and both attempts were nightmares. I'm stuck on Effexor for life, regardless of side effects. It's not worth the horror of withdrawal.
GratefulKate
29 Dec 2017
Thank you for your comment- I totally agree one should monitor themselves. This drug has allowed me to function and work. As I recently relapsed-because of evil supervisor at work I am increasing my dose to 300 slowly from 225- I don't think I will be going back to that job. It was the cause of increased anxiety. Very toxic.
terica3825
5 Jan 2012
I just had to say that this has been a wonder drug for me and I love your question! I am 31so years old and it has worked for me very well even tho I also am Bi Polar 1. Thanks I will keep my eye out for a response!
Related topics
effexor, depression, bleeding disorder, dementia, anxiety and stress, bruising
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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