Effexor - Anxiety Message Board

darock_sayz · 04-19-2006, 10:10 PM

Hello,
I have been visiting this board as I knew I was heading down the road of anti-anxiety medication. After a discussion with my Dr. - we decided medication was the best route combined with therapy. I don't believe my problem to be very severe, but at this stage of my life medication might help slow things down and get me under control - mostly anxiety over everyday things.

The doctor reccomended effexor - 150mg. I have been reading some scary stuff on the internet....is this one a really nasty one ? Is there something safer, I don't want to get hooked or be dependant.

thanks in advance

friendsfan · 04-20-2006, 05:24 AM

Currently I am trying to ween off of effexor but I am not against it. This medication, along with therapy, has helped me see the good things in life and that its not all panic and stress. I feel since switching to a lower dose lighter and more myself again. I have not felt this for a long, long time. I feel not relaxed and droopy but myself and happy. Don't get me wrong I still have my bad days but they dont seem as bad and they are easier to handle - if you didn't have bad days you wouldn't appreciate the good - but, this drug is not for everyone. Obviously your doctor will start you off at a lower dose and work your way up to 150mg, and if they don't understand you will feel extremely different, but try to see how you feel on 37.5 and 75mg because you may only need that much as you said that you don't think that your problems are that severe. One thing that you must keep in mind when starting this medication is - never run out! If you suddenly stop this particular medication you have the worst side effects but coming off of effexor, for me anyway, is not a problem at this moment. I will post a message if it does. I hope this helps, and I will check back if you have any other questions.

hry33 · 04-20-2006, 11:10 AM

effexor is one of many antidepressants and if it works for you, will help a lot
agree about a low starting dose and gradually working it up

IMO, 150 is much too high a starting dose for an anxiety sufferer , take half a 75 tablet for the first week, the smallest effective dose is 75

try also to get some valium type meds to help you cope with the effexors early side effects

Happy Days · 04-21-2006, 10:06 AM

I have been on Effexor for over a year. I tried Lexapro and Zoloft however had really bad side effects. My psychiatrist started me on a low dose of Effexor and gradually increased the dosage based upon my feedback. I reached as high as 300 mgs but I am now at a steady dose of 225 mgs that I take in the morning. This medication has helped me tremendously. My depression is manageable and I am having no panic attacks and hardly any anxiety. I am also taking a low dose, .15 mg of Ativan for the anxiety and to help me rest at night.

I was feeling really tired and having pains in my left arm a few month ago. I went to my general practitioner and got tested for everything and all tests came back normal so my psychiatrist put me on Wellbutrin 150mgs. He said that this would increase my energy. I feel fine now and no longer having the pains in my arm.

It is best to start these meds at the lowest dosages to see how your body reacts and then increase as needed. The same goes for coming off the drugs. Decrease the dosage over a period of time and constantly give feedback to your doctor so that he can adjust your dosages as needed.

yelden12 · 04-21-2006, 11:29 PM

good advice to everyone before mine...

i only wanted to add.. as someone whos been on more than enough different meds in the last few months... that you can't know if it's right for you or not until you give it a shot. some of the drugs i've tried made me feel wonderful for weeks and then suddenly, without warning, stopped working.

also, listen to friendsfan about stopping effexor randomly.. i have trouble swallowing pills and went a day and a half without it and spent the next three days throwing up and watching the room spin.

hope i didnt scare you, things will be fine, just trust in your doc and yourself.