I take Effexor at 75 mg also. It helps with my depression, but not with pain. I used to take Cymbalta and got very good relief from depression, anxiety, and pain.
I have talked to my new Dr. about going back on Cymbalta, but I'm glad you notice a lessening of pain with it. Good luck!!!

Cinders, Effexor saved my life when my antidepressant quit on me. I had been on it for years but my doctor wanted to try Cymbalta to see if it would help with the pain as well as depression. Once I was back on 300 mgs I turned the corner and I was so grateful to feel happy again.

It was like taking off a heavy, wet, lead, cloak. I started to have energy again and less pain. I wasn't sleeping all the time. I wanted to leave the house.

I am so glad you also have gotten rid of the blues and that lousy feeling. Hugs, Keleee :)

I have been on effexor several times for anxiety off right now but when I am on them I can work and have been in supervisor posistions every time when I come off of them I stay home I also get bad chest pain and effexor takes it away mostly and yes I am less tired on it but chronic yawning hope this helps

Effexor ended up not being a good choice for me. And, when I tried to wean off it, I had THE worst withdrawals ever. Really, really bad.

Sorry - just thought you should know going in that getting off it can be a real problem.

I took EffexorXR for a few years following a major depressive episode. It is a wonderful medication. Just don't attempt what I did. I thought the fact that I was feeling so much better meant it was time to stop the med. Without talking to the DR. Big mistake! Please don't stop taking this medication abruptly. It can be tapered down when you and your DR decide to.

After suffering horrible withdrawal effects, I went to my DR. He said "what made you want to do this?"...."were you feeling too good?", lol. I got the message. I don't stop any medication without my doctor's guidance nowadays.

Glad you're feeling better. I hope you keep doing what works!

glad some one gets use of this med. THIS one is an OMG keep it away from me drug in my house lol. I took it for just a very short time and I got this really weird pain in the center of my head that laid me up in the hospital for a week while they tried to make the pain go away. Effexor is a nasty word in my house lol

IT SEEMED TO JUST DOUBLE ALL MY BAD SIDE EFFECTS SO I DETOXED OFF EVERTHING
NOW JUST ON SAVELLA LOW DOSE 12/5 2XADAY NORCO10/350 1/2 EVERY HR OR AS NEEDED= NO-MORETHEN 5ADAY
FENTANAYL PATCH25MG= ONLY ON HORRIBLE BAD FLARE DAYS BED ONLY & TAKE IT OFF WHEN I FEEL BETTER!
AMBIAN-10MG & VALUIM-5MG @ BED TIME
NOT TAKING ANYTHING ELSEFOR AWHILE WAITING FOR NEW RESEARCH ON XMRV= VERY HOPEFULLY THAT IT WILL BE READY ALOT FASTER THEN SPECULATED!

I tried Effexor for three weeks. I quit when my kids begged me to stop. I hadn't really noticed but they told me my personality had changed and they wanted the old mommy back, likening the situation to movies like, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Stepford Wives." (The original versions.) They told me the were creeped out.

I don't remember that I felt any better or worse, but I did feel a little blah and fake.

That was two anti-depressants before I came to the conclusion that I just wasn't cut out for this kind of drug.

Your doctor might tell you to keep taking it and that the headaches will disappear. You have to get used to the drug - it is a standardized dose and maybe just a little too much for you just yet.

Headaches are listed as one of the common side effects. Here's the list from their site:

Effexor

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Effexor:

Anxiety; blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; HEADACHE; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; weight loss; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Effexor:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; blood in the stool; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or worsening aggressiveness, agitation, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, irritability, panic attacks, or restlessness; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or weakness; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness or loss of coordination; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision problems; worsening of depression.

Effexor is the first antidepressant I could actually tolerate. I've tried many for migraines and they only made them worse. The DR. gave me Effexor for anxiety, and the headaches are about the same, not worse, but I did notice my mood (menopause) is better and less achiness than I used to have. I take 75mg and really wanted to up the does a little because still have some anxiety, but after reading about withdrawls I'm a little nervous. Is Effexor the only one that causes withdrawls? I tried prozac, elavil and Lexapro and stropped abruptly with all of those and never experienced anything at all.

I Know Nothing about Effexor...is is a "Boosting AD"...or a Sedating AD" ?

I Know someone who is on BOTH Effexor & Zoloft...this person Seems very Sedated...so am TRYING to Read up on it..

I tryed Effexor to help with my hormonal symptom after my hyst. but ended up with a really bad rash, with hives.

I have tried so many different types of anti depressions, and with each one I would end up with rash/hives.

My body just wont except. much at all. I am using Natural compounding progesterone cream now, in a very low dose, and boy it makes such a different, not just for my hormones, but for my emotions.

Well most days any way. lol

Gentle hugs, Sherrall