question regarding Effexor and vision problems

I am wondering about the vision problems I have been having since taking Effexor XR. I have double vision, poor vision at night as well as lessened ability to determine depth perception. Recently I had the worst symptom I have had yet which was a second or two of complete blackout of vision. This was after looking to the side and experiencing a feeling of eye fatigue. After that feeling I looked straight ahead at which time I had the blackness. It was very quick and then overwith but scared me. I have been on Effexor for about four years. I am wondering if others have had similar symptoms. I had a visit with an ophthalmologist who said I had eye fatigue and that was the only thing they found.

Any information would be helpful. So far on my research I have noticed that Drs. do not think there is correlation with Effexor/weight gain and I have experienced a weight gain of 25 pounds. Also the vision changes would be my main concern.

Thanks,

Alison Meyer

I was put on effexor for about a year. I would have moments like the ones your having but only if I would forget to take a pill. I would get dizzy, have the feeling of a head full of cotton balls and my depth perception would be greatly effected. I went cold turkey when I stoped taking them and dealt with those effects for almost 2 weeks until it was all the way out of my system. I think your issues are brought on my the effexor. I'd find another anti-Depressant/anxiety medicine to take.

Oh, and I had serious sexual side effects also. In the beggining my orgasms were better than ever, but after about 4 months, I would lose sensitivity half way through and my erection would go away....right in the middle of sex!!!! If your having any issues with that, get off that stuff!!!!!

I have been taking effexor for 4 years and have blurred vision a little in left eye but bad in my right eye. I am thinking about coming off the meds because of it thats why im online right now researching it. i'm 24 years old did you decided to get off the meds?

So, did these symptoms clear up? I'm on Effexor and having hearing loss. I am waiting for my MRI results.

I would be concerned for those of you with visual disturbances...see your doctor and make sure there is nothing else going on (glaucoma, MS, etc). If everything else is ruled out, I would be interested and suspicious of the Effexor connection.

LKatt

P.S. I have gradually gone from 150 mg to 2 mg without any change in my hearing loss.

I have been taking Effexor XR for about 4 1/2 years. I am talking 75mg once a day. For the most part I have been totally fine..up until about 6 months ago. I am not sure what happened but I think my body just stopped working with the drug. Literally, One night, I began to experience dizziness, "Brain-Zaps", blurred vision, weight gain, depression, crying for no reason, emotional breakdowns, and I have been slowly climbing out of the horrible hole i was in. I was in the ER twice and saw every doctor under the sun...They all said i was fine. MRI, CAT SCAN, HEART...everything came back perfect...? Then i started doing some research on the interent and found that it seems that a lot of people are having horrible side effects while on the this drug. Currently, I went to a specialist who is going to help me step by step to get off this horrible medicine. Temporarly she has put me on Zoloft...to help while i step down with the effexor. I am very nervous about starting this but i know it is for the better. I want to feel normal again.

I am currently battling with some eye issues. This is what is bothering me the most right now. Is anyone experiencing the following symptoms:
-feels like pressure behind your eyes
-sensitivity to light
-increase night blindness
-halos around lights
-the feeling that "you can't get the whole picture" like your perephial vision isn't as clear
-trailing
-double vision (when you wake up)
-dizziness

I have been checked by the eye doctor and he said all is good, not to mention i have been checked for MS and those test came back clear too.

It sounds like you may also have Iritis. Do you have any back pain or arthritis?
Ask your doctor to check you out for ancolising Spondolitis.....I've probably misspelt that, but it sure sounds like you are a possible candidate. He'll send you off to have a blood test, and if you are diagnosied there are wonderful Non steroidal Anti Inflammatory pills that will change your life.
Please see your doctor and ask him to check for the Spondolitis. You may have a future of terrible bone pain and ruined eyesight if you dont.
Best of Luck, Dave