Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Effexor XR

As an IBC-C sufferer and a hardcore fan of Effexor XR, I can tell you only from my personal experience about its affects on my libido and other things. First of all, most of my docs support me taking the Effexor XR, not only for my mood disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, etc., but also for the fact that it happens to have very few side effects and has the added benefit of helping with IBS. I won't lie to you, if you start on this drug, you will probably have side effects, and if you stop this drug, you will probably have side effects. The probability is most likely at least a 50% chance or more. These side effects include, but aren't limited to: shakiness, night sweats, tremors, a "weird" feeling that I can only describe as being similar to a panic attack - almost feels like my heart is palpitating or that someone is laying a cell phone on vibrate on my chest. Ok, the vibrating feeling is a bit exaggerated, but I can't think of a good way to describe it. The doc should start you first on starter packs, which are like sample packs that start you on the lowest dose and move you slowly to higher doses until you and your doc believe you've reached your most therapeutic level of the drug. They come in capsule form. The reason why you'll get these effects is b/c it will take some time for your body to adjust to the levels of the drug and once it's in your system, you'll notice the side effects taper off and practically disappear. As long as you maintain the therapeutic level you and your doc believe is necessary for you, you should have little to no other side effects. But, remember to ask about drug interactions w/any other RX or OTC meds you are taking. If you ever have to go off the Effexor, you need to be weaned off of it. During the weaning process, you'll most likely feel the same side effects as you did when you started the drug. If you stop this drug cold turkey (like I've had to do twice before), the side effects are nasty - I suffered for 3 straight years of tremors, night sweats, a constant feeling of panic attacks, a weird dizzy sensation, etc. While you're on the drug regularly and on a regular dose as your doc prescribes, the sexual side effects are not bad at all. Again, talk to your doc about your concerns about side effects. I had hardly any side effects on this drug once I was on a therapeutic level. It was great! Just don't let those first side effects freak you out. Again, this is from my own experiences as well as my understanding of the side effects and when and why they occur. I've had lots of time to discuss these matters with four different docs and 3 out of 4 were supportive of my using the drug. Good luck, Lisa!

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XOXO from lil' ol' me.

(IBS-C, mood disorders, etc., etc.)

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