Hello everyone. I'm new to this board. Because I suffer from anxiety (I always think something bad is going to happen or is going to happen to me or someone close to me, or my husband. . . you get the picture), my Dr put me on Effexor. At first, it was great because I actually felt better and could get some sleep at night. This has quickly worn off as I find it very hard to sleep now. I am sleepy during the day, though. To make a long, long story short, Doc has increased my dosage to 150 and prescribed Xanax to help me sleep at night. I still have trouble staying asleep and wake up frequently at night. I feel down and blue all the time because I was not exactly thin when I started this med and now I am a big, fat cow! I am tired, and restless, and down. In addition, I'm going to be losing my job next year (they are relocating my dept), I work very near where the WTC used to be and was there when they were blown up, I'm stressed out because I feel I have to be everything to everyone, and I just want to scream!!! Sorry about the long message, but I need to vent. Husband thinks I bring this on to myself and does not believe in meds. He thinks I should stop them. I am not close to his family and way less to mine. Great life, isn't it? Oh, and I have no close friends as I think they would think I'm looney. Thanks for "listening."

Hi,

And welcome to HB... How long have you been on the newer drug? and have you given it time to start working? sometimes this can take a few weeks so if you just recently started please please give it some time and hang in there. Keep sharing hon we are here to support http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Again hang in there

Koko

[deleted for privacy]

[This message has been edited by chrysanthemum (edited 01-06-2003).]

Thank you for your reply. I have been on Effexor for about two and a half years. I just feel that it has stopped working. I am right back where I started. I have trouble sleeping, I'm anxious. The Effexor is supposed to be an antidepressant/antianxiety drug. I don't understand why my anxiety has worsened. I was at work today and my heart felt as if it was going to come out of my chest. I was also trembling. I am going to see my doc on Friday. Hopefully, we can work together to find something that will help.

Just to give you an idea of my world, I just walked into my apartment and my son has not finished his homework. He has been home since three (he's in the sixth grade). It is now 7:30p and his homework is not done. I am so angry at him. To calm down, I got online. His dad is sitting with him.

Thanks again for the support. Talk to you guys later.

Jos

Hi Jos,
So sorry you're having a rough time. I know it doesn't help any, but most of us have been in the same spot that you're in - many times.

Are you doing anything outside of meds? It's taken alot more than 'medication' alone, for me. Do you have any relaxation methods? If you haven't educated yourself...as far as reading up on depression, you might consider that.

Most of us are seeing psychiatrists/psycologists. Getting some kind of counselling can be very helpful.

Wishing you the best,
lepi