Sexual Side effects?

[Glen]

I was just prescribed Effexor (actually its generic form). I've struggled with depression all my life. Over the past 20 years I've tried prozac, zoloft, selexa, and lexapro, and found that I gained weight, and had either delayed orgasm, or no orgasm. Most recently I've been on Wellbutrin which elevates my mood without sexual side effects. But I'be been edgy and just on the verge of panic. So my Dr.said to try Efexor. I'm about to start, but am concerned about the sexual side effects. Does anyone have any idea if this will have less effect in this area?

Glen

[Brigid W]

Effexor commonly causes sexual side effects, including very delayed to non-existent orgasm, and low libido. It has also been known to caused increased anxiety, insomnia, aggitation, anger, and even full-blown mania in some. Fairly common side effects include headache, high blood pressure, blood sugar regulation problems, weight gain, dry mouth. It can cause severe wiithdrawal symptoms, especially if stopped abruptly. Some people have so much trouble with the withdrawal, that they may be hooked for life once their body becomes accustomed to this drug. I don't mean to scare you, but I think people should be better informed of the risks.

[Neil W]

I took Venlafaxine (Effexor) for 6 years despite taking blood pressure drugs as well. Effexor should not have been prescribed by my doctor as they increase BP and it has damaged my heart muscles.

After the first week of feeling truly awful with Effexor it did improve my depressive symptoms for a while. I believe that the drug is responsible for sexual dysfunction and I'm not taking it anymore and I will never take it again.