Hello. Today I started Effexor-XR. 37.5 mg for 7 days, then onto 75mg a day.
I've read several replies on this bulletin board about how bad Effexor is.
Is this something I should call my doctor and complain about???
I'm concerned because I was put on it for anxiety, but he wanted to put me on something for mild depression also, just as a precaution...I told him I didn't want anything that affected my libido, and he gave me Effexor-XR.
I have NO PLANS on being on this for a long time. I FULLY INTEND to try this for a period of time and then stop taking it----I hate medication.
But I'm worried about all these horrible withdrawl stories...please explain this to me further, and give me any opinions you might have?
I've never been on any anxiety-depression medication before.

dont take it then... i wouldnt they only make you worse in the long run trust me.. effexor caused my anxiety... some docs just prescribe theses meds to make money.... i wouldnt take it honestly.. try therapy first..

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donna

I am on effexor and it is working well for me. Tell your doctor to start you slowly on a low dose. Let your body adjust to that dose before you increase. Ignore all of the negativity on the message boards! If you feel that you are truly feeling depressed and anxious due to a chemical imbalance, then this should work wonders for you. If you don't have a deficiency, then your body will let you know by rejecting the medicine. Keep a positive attitude and believe that you WILL get better- and you will http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
Medicine and doctors are meant to help people, not harm them. And the bad feedback that others are giving is counterproductive! What is wrong for one person could be right for another! Good luck- and if you have any questions let me know!
KYRA

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Well, I took it (effexor) last night and at 5:30 a.m. i was up and on full-alert with a kind of panic i have never experienced, ever. and it lasted in full blast until 8:30. i told my doctor and now he wants me to try remeron? i've never heard of it, but it sounds awfully like he's drugging me into sleep.
this is all such a hassle, i'd beginning to wonder if i'd be better off with none at all!

DONT... i wouldnt bother with them... try therapy first.. i am just wanrning you... they make some peopel worse and some people better.. but they will never make you 100% better.. you will end up taking meds for the rest of your life to feel normal.. try going to therapy first then if that dont work then sit down and think hard... i made a HUGE mistake in taking any meds.. you will so regret it if you end up worse.. anyways i am not here to make your mind up for you, i am here to give my opinion and advice... good luck in your choice..

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donna

**Remember this, you cant run away from your probs, they will still be there when you get back **

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donna

[This message has been edited by littlesheep1999 (edited 01-09-2003).]

Well, I was thinking therapy...but i don't know how i can manage it---i'm a college student and i spent 90% of my time out of my insurance-coverage area. *sigh*i was thinking of trying to help myself...but i'm not sure where to begin on that, either.

Hey,
Just to let you know, the first week of taking the medication you will feel very alert and stimulated. I would ask the doctor to try the smallest dose of regular effexor as opposed to the 34 mg of the extended pills. That is not necessary to start off with. I would start with the lowest (12.5 mg)of the regular to get your body used to it. Right now I am only on 25 and feel great! It is just that little boost. And it is not too much that I would ever have a problem getting off of it.
I had a serious problem with my chemicals, to the point I coudn't even walk down the street.. I was shaking.. there just wasn't enough serotonin in my brain to even function! Ha...medicine helps to straighten out chemicals so when you go off of them, you are better!
Good luck!
kyra

i just don't understand...if i'm being treated for anxiety, why am i given anti-depressant medication that has the SIDE-EFFECT of anxiety?
i don't NEED to be anymore alert! that's the problem in the first place! oy....i just don't know anymore.
does anyone have any tips on trying to wrestle with this on my own? i used to be incredibly active, and i became ill in september and quit being active...i'm thinking i will go back to that, but i'm not sure what else to do to try and ease my worry....i really do want medication to be a last-option kind of thing.

Little Sheep, some people have anxiety because of problems in their life. Other people are born with genetic anxiety conditions. Medication is sometimes very harmful and sometimes very helpful. Don't presume to speak for everyone because of your own bad experience.
As far as my life and many others are considered "talking therapy" is useless. But perhaps it worked for you. We can't tell others what will be right for them.

ummm excuse me.... therapy didnt work for me either... if u start a med with a negative mind then ofcourse it is going to make you worse.... it is up to the person isnt it?

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donna

I was on Effexor for a few weeks. It made me extremely tired and took away any libido I had. I stopped taking it and for about a week was a little light-headed from withdrawal.