Doctor just put me on effexor XR

[Vuul]

My blood test results came in today, all clear. (except for  a vitamin D shortage, my thyroid seems to be a bit slow, but it isn't significant according to my doctor TSH: 4.334 T4: 1.35)

He knows i'm scare of taking medication, but he says this drug will really help me.
I'll take half a pill for a week, then follow up with him, and see if we can increase it.

I guess i just want to know, will this really help my anxiety? Is it worth having possible side effects for a few weeks, anyone with experience?

[BusuB]

Very good chance it will help.  Even if it doesn't, there are a ton of other drugs and treatments you can pursue.

[insights]

I guess i just want to know, will this really help my anxiety? Is it worth having possible side effects for a few weeks, anyone with experience?

There is no way of knowing. Certainly, Effexor can alleviate anxiety, but whether it will for you is another matter. No antidepressant is intrinsically any better than another, but 1 or 2 probably will be for you. The hard part is finding which they are. Unfortunately, the only test is trial and error. But when an antidepressant works, it can be a life changer. Untreated, agoraphobia prevents me from stepping outside my front door. By taking an effective antidepressant, I can and have travelled the world.

Ian

[Vuul]

Started today, I've been feeling generally well. some dizzy spells here and there.
when do side effects usually start? day 2? day 3?

Taking efexor xr 37,5. Doctor says i have to raise it to 75 next week.

[insights]

when do side effects usually start? day 2? day 3?

Anywhere from an hour after the first tablet to never. Just be aware that not all of the initial side-effects are necessarily caused by the drug. Some people, for example me, become anxious about taking meds which itself can cause what appear to be side-effects. The anxious mind is a trick beast capable of just about anything.

Taking efexor xr 37,5. Doctor says i have to raise it to 75 next week.

You should be fine.

Ian

[Vuul]

when do side effects usually start? day 2? day 3?

Anywhere from an hour after the first tablet to never. Just be aware that not all of the initial side-effects are necessarily caused by the drug. Some people, for example me, become anxious about taking meds which itself can cause what appear to be side-effects. The anxious mind is a trick beast capable of just about anything.

Taking efexor xr 37,5. Doctor says i have to raise it to 75 next week.

You should be fine.

Ian

Thanks, I think i can deal with the side effects if they do come. so far i'm feeling great so i'll continue the treatment.
And yeah, i was anxious as heck first few hours, but i calmed my down by reasoning.

[Vuul]

i laid in bed to try and sleep for 5 hours,  when i finally managed to fall asleep only 3 hours later some kids woke me up.

i didnt mind for some reason,  and im not tired anymore.  is it normal for efexor to give me alot of energy?

[insights]

is it normal for efexor to give me alot of energy?

Effexor is not known as an activating antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Prozac (fluoxetine), but insomnia is a listed side-effect, however, so is sedation. It all depends on how your body reacts. It's likely to be temporary.

Ian

[Vuul]

thanks for your replies insights,  i read some nasty stories aboit efexor but im trying to not let them get to me and trust my doctor. 

its always scary strarting medication such as this i suppose.

[Vuul]

Reading stories about people with withdrawals and people absolutely hating the drug got me really anxious, past 2 days i slept a total of 10 hours, 7-ish yesterday.
Today i started do feel sick, took a xanax because a had a weird feeling in my stomach, almost like a muscle spasm. I feel great now but idk if i can keep this going.
what if it only gets worse from this point on?

I'm 3 days in now and i wonder if i can't just stop now whilst i'm ahead, before i ruin my life like some stories on the web.
I'm tempted to call my doctor and see what he thinks, i'd love to get some good sleep.

[insights]

I'm 3 days in now and i wonder if i can't just stop now whilst i'm ahead, before i ruin my life like some stories on the web.

This is your choice. But you will find similar stories about every antidepressant and the benzodiazepines too. Which leaves psychotherapy. If you can afford it, it is worth considering.

Ian

[Ladyhansen]

If its helping you I would say continue. I'm one of those horror stories. But most of my frustration with it is due to the fact that it never did anything for me and I had to stay on it due to the withdrawals. It was hard, but im not on it anymore. If it's doing something it is worth it. As far as I know the withdrawals are easier if you haven't taken it for long. Well that's my two cents!

[Vuul]

i slept today, i feel alot better now i can think clearly.  i think i mightve just had an upset stomach yesterday.
the dizziness seems to be going away. for now ill continue.

venting on this forum has helped alot though.  i think i just need to stop looking up withdrawal symptoms,  because my anxiety seems to be contribiting to most of my "symptoms"

[Roseline1982]

Stick with it.  Take the xanax as needed.  I'm on week four and feeling better.  The first two weeks sucked for me but it does get better.  Just keep reminding yourself that.

[Vuul]

Stick with it.  Take the xanax as needed.  I'm on week four and feeling better.  The first two weeks sucked for me but it does get better.  Just keep reminding yourself that.

I'm at day 5, i'm mostly back to normal aside from some stomach issue, which is mild and doesn't bother me. My pupils are getting slowly back to normal aswell and i had a solid 9 hours of dreamless sleep yesterday. I realise the increase in dosage in 2 days might F everything up again.

[Vuul]

Last day of 37,5mg today.  should i expect to feel as bad as when i started taking effexor when i bump to 75mg?

[michigan1966]

I've been on Effexor XR 150mg for years, plus Xanax .75-2.0mg per day. I have GAD & depression. There are very few sides effects & It helped me!  I've tried other meds (Paxil & ?? and was very bogged down, out of it and weight gain!
I also get SAD, so the Dr doubled my Effexor last winter and just this past week.
I wish there was a med that took away All my symptoms, but this is the best I've found.
The only thing you can do is try it out to see if it works for you.  Best wishes.

[Vuul]

I didn't get any negative effects from going up to 75 mg, it's been a week since my last panic attack, I haven't Google'd anything either! It could be just in my head but I already feel better.

I have real trouble getting out of bed in the morning though, and days seem to fly by. but I'd take that over anxiety and panic disorder any day.
I'm going to talk to my doctor about stopping my Xanax if I keep feeling better, I feel like I don't need it any more. I currently take 0.25 mg before bed and used to take it during panic attacks.

If any of you are out there like me, dead scared of taking Anti-depressants. Give it a try, seriously.