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Posted , 5 users are following.

to everyone claiming age/anxiety/depression are causing the struggle to work out it could in fact be the effexor

I prior to taking effexor i was in decent shape-was a dancer and an aerialist for fun after work so was dancing 2-3 days a week and working out another 2-3 days a week. after 2 weeks on effexor xr i could barely get through a dance class and a month in couldn't walk from the parking lot to my work building without stopping and taking a break, my muscles would be so weak and my legs would be shaking and so sore just from walking that by the time i got to my desk i was exhausted.

told my dr, dr said it was all in my head so i tried it for another month. my muscles deteriorated so much i could barely carry bags or simple things like put my hair on a ponytail. doctor ran other tests nothing else was causing it finally ran bloodwork then promptly took me off the medication. a year later im still rebuilding the muscle mass i lost and am no where near where i was prior to effexor. i still struggle with a basic push up let alone a pull up (used to be able to do 10).

muscle weakness and deterioration on this med is no joke. ive been told i may never get back to where i was. if something isnt right with your meds speak up, you know your body and meds effect everyone differently.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    It's now 16 years since I came off Effexor 'cold turkey' - I ended up carrying an inner rage I couldn't get past. Also, it's just as you say - I went downhill for 6 months before any advantage from the medication kicked in - this lasted no more than 18 months, and all through that period I was washed out - nor did I ever regain my facility for being active,

    Philip

    • Posted

      agreed!! I'm coming off the stuff.. it's toxic.. For Me anyway!! Need doctors advice before reducing it more as it's Very Scary !!

    • Posted

      Hi Philip,

      How long were you on venlafaxine and once you came of venlafaxine how long did it take for your "inner rage" to subside?

      After 10 years on venlafaxine I started to get irritable, easily stressed and angry (although I mostly kept it inside rather than reacting to things). About 6 months ago I switched to another medication but am still experiencing similar issue although a bit less.

      Thanks in advance,

      Ed

    • Posted

      Hi, Ed- the anger is no longer rage, but remains too easily triggered. The other facet of it is that over the 6 years or so I was on Effexor, and for some years after - my 'intolerance' of all energy foods became worse, so that my energy levels dropped again - if any 'stability' has come into being, this is it - dairy, eggs, sugar, simple carbohydrates, any oily foods, + as a consequence confidence is a no-go.

      I hope this isn't how it goes for you.

      Philip

  • Posted

    Hiya, Effexor is a brand name for Venlafaxine ! I have been taking this for Years.. I'm trying and have reduced my dose.. I Hate this Medication..So. Much.. it has also caused me a lot of problems.. Mainly emotional Such as if I forgot to take it I didn't realize until it was 2 weeks or so.. I was acting strangely and talking nonsense .. I Cannot Wait to Get off this Stuff Hope you can get off this onto a safer Antidepressant ..best of luck ..best regards

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