Concerta/Effexor side effects | ADHD Information

Dear Mac,

One thing I have learned in my journey to health is doctors are not gods!

Why not get a 2nd and 3rd opinion from other doctors?

and, if u r taking effexor, I am assuming u have ADHD with OCD correct?

if so, another option could be taking a stimulant med with an anti depressant.

Like one of my doctors said, if u are having side effects, its either not the right med. or the right dose!

hey there--I have been taking Effexor for about 2 1/2 years now-and for 2 years before that.hate to say it is one of the WORST antidepressants when it comes to stopping it. missing one day can be a nightmare. I am not on any stimulants right now, but it sounds like what you are experiencing when missing or decreasing dosages is withdrawal. I've heard of people getting really weird issues like "brain zaps" even when coming off effexor gradually. the first timme I tried to come off it, my doc said to go from 75 to 37.5 in 2 weeks, but I ended up taking about 5 months! I've heard something about weening (sp?) off effexor by using another antidepressant, such as prozac, while you are decreasing your dosage.

also--effexor can actually have stimulating effects mch like those of, well, the stimulants. i would assume that taking a stim with effexor can give you a caffeine-like effect.

I take 150 mgs.--perhaps the dosage is too high for you? If that was a dosage you used during pregnancy maybe it is no longer necessary. also, maybe you can try an anti-anxiety med, like a benzo. like mashtee said, it may not be the right med. your needs change over time...and maybe you don't need anything for anxiety at all at this point.

Best of luck!!

I am new to this forum and thought I could share some of the side effects I have experienced both on and off these meds.

Began taking Effexor over 3 years ago.  I started at 75mg for anxiety during a very stressful time in my life.  I progressed to 150mg as the 75mg was not enough (still on edge).  When I became pregnant, due to my weight, the doctor increased my dosage to 300mg per day.  I've been taking 300mg everyday now for the past 3 years.  I cannot come off of it as I begin experienced increased anxiety, cold sweats at night, severe headaches, nausea and impaired vision.  I have even tried reducing the dosage over time and still experience the same side-effects, regardless.  My life is still stressful but not nearly as bad as it was.  My doctors reply to me when I said that I wanted to reduce my dosage was "Are the meds working?  If so, then why come off." My reply was, "If I have such severe side effects then how do I know whether or not I need it anymore."  My plan was not to take it the rest of my life as much as it was to get me through my life struggles at the time, sainly.

I began taking concerta about 1 year ago 54mg ER per day.  I have recently began experiencing mild uncontrollable muscle spasms and a freak incident of complete inability to move or speak the other night when I had missed both meds for about 16 hours.  I couldn't even wake my husband for about 2-3 minutes.  It really scared me.  I've made an appt. with my doctor to discuss.

Hope some of this info helps and if anyone has info for me, Please, Please, Pleasee, reply.

Thanks

mac

Thank you both for your insight.  I am definately looking into a second opinion.  I am learning more and more everyday how much of my life is consumed by ADHD as well as how much the meds are really not doing all of what they should be.  I just don't feel comfortable with each time I speak to my doctor about not taking the meds the rest of my life, he takes a passive stance.  We have the Eastern Virginia Medical School here where I am at and I am thinking of contacting them to see if there are any current studies that I can be a part of.  Or, if any studies have been done recently.

Well, again, Thank You and I will continue reading websites and books to learn more.