Effexor and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I have multiple health issues and am very anxious about them. Have been on and off Effexor 75 mg twice now (going off when felt better) over 3 years and just started again with anxiety about upcoming surgeries. Going on, I experience nausea and can only eat dry biscuits for about 2 weeks. Going off them the first time, no withdrawals, the second time was suicidal as I stupidly went 'cold turkey' - not recommended. Pupils dilated and some dizziness and sexual dysfunction (I think due to MS though), otherwise great. Day 4 now and already feeling less 'freaked out' about everything, but complete loss of appetite this time - not a bad thing after the summer indulgence. Have experienced insomnia this time, which I had not previously. Female, 37."

• Le ...
• November 28, 2016

For Depression "I started taking Effexor following an unexpected divorce that left me feeling a significant grief and anxiety for my children's future. I never had suicidal thoughts before, during, or after taking this drug. I took it for 2 years, and I don't know if it helped me, or if it was the meditation (Qigong) or acceptance and reflection. Some side effects included increased libido, occasional little spasms of the diaphragm muscle (at the base of the lungs), and strange and vivid dreams. Missing only one dose sent me into what is known as 'brain zaps' and feels just like electrical zaps in the brain, together with sensory dissociation. This is the main reason I was afraid to stop taking it."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on 150 mg for 1 year now for anxiety. I have previously taken Paxil as well for years, but it seemed to have stopped working for me. Although Effexor has helped with anxiety (not a 'cure'), if I miss 1 dose, I experience the worst side effects: dizziness, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, headache. It has also significantly decreased my libido. I will be trying to come off of this and probably switch to something else because of this."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Effexor for about 2 years and am now coming off it. I have been taking 75 mg once per day. I have gained 80 lbs in the years I have been taking it, but since I cut back, I have lost ten in about a month. My sex drive has gone from almost every night to maybe twice a month (most of the time, my mood has mellowed out)."

• Gef...
• November 7, 2011

"I had surgery on my neck to remove a tumor. It caused nerve damage that was life-altering. I dealt with it for a full year prior to a doctor prescribing Effexor. I got my life back. The pain is an annoyance now but much, much better. Taking 37.5 in the morning and again at night. Started helping in about a week. Some sexual side effects but other than that, I have my old life back. Also feel happier, which I guess is a positive side effect."

• Dra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 18, 2022

For Depression "This medicine took away my anxiety and my ability to orgasm. It came back after I'd been off it for about a year. It made me feel emotionally numb. Nothing made me cry. It's been 7 years since I took it, and I still haven't cried. I used to cry all the time. I'm sad at times. Just no crying. Also, scary movies didn't scare me. At all. I also had some mild brain zaps when I quit taking this. Not bad."

• Mus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2016

For Depression "I just started taking it about a month ago. I have all of the common side effects. My only concerning side effect is decreased urination and anorgasmia. I am a female. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Lon...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 3, 2013

For Depression "Had weight gain, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, anorgasmia, bad withdrawal symptoms."

• pri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2013

For Depression "Works well for depression and anxiety. I experienced diminished libido (male). Do not abruptly stop taking or miss a dose, you'll get worse than opiate withdrawal!"