Does Effexor XR really work for anybody???

[Wolf Mountain]

I have read many, many posts about Effexor XR and the hellish experience people have on this medication.  My doctor just put me on it after several months of so-so performance by Lexapro.  Here is the question...is there anybody out there, any one, who would say "Effexor XR is awesome, it has been a great medication and I am grateful to be on it?"  If so, I would love to hear what you have to say, what your experience has been, dosage, etc.  My script has been for GAD/depression.  I have been in therapy (cognitive with a psychologist) since June.  Some progress, but the feelings still remain.  I am trying to find some way to turn the volume down on emotions.  I take Lorazepam (Ativan) - 1mg - occassionally when anxiety is unbearable.  I take Ambien CR to sleep.  So...any cocktail stories out there?

[bracknelson]

Yes, It definitely helps because Effexor XR is very effective at treating major depressive disorder(MDD), generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also help to decrease anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks.

[haynesexplains]

Yes I would without a doubt, Venaflaxine has given me my life back, been on it for over 10 years it takes time to work but it takes away abnormal anxiety and gives you time to clear your mind and think better, no its not perfect as withdrawal (when forgot to take a dose) can feel like your heads draining but once you take your missed one it soon goes away after a short nap. I wish anyone suffering abnormal anxiety the very best of luck and my little thing that helps me out is "Get up, Get Out and get on with it"  I truly hope my words helps someone as they are sent with the most understanding and truth. I wish you well people.

[specialmom]

Hi there haynesexplains!  That's awesome.  I love a good medication outcome.  You started it for anxiety?  What dose did you start with and are you on now?  I hope you stick around as we have a lot of depressed people and  anxious people on our forums who could use success stories!

[donna2921]

all I know is that it did not work for me and had a horrible experience weening off..

[alinamraz]

When asking for advice about a certain anti-depressant you have to remember that everyones reactions will be different. I've been on medications that have ****** my world up, but have saved others, so it's all a very personal experience. When reading other experiences definitely listen, but take everything with a grain of salt, because your body might react completely different! That being said, my experience with Effexor XR has been wonderful. I had been put on what felt like every medication known to man and everything created horrific side effects and left me spiraling deeper into isolation. FINALLY, I was put onto Effexor XR. I started out at 37.5 mg and in the beginning I did suffer from severe headaches and irritability (I was also 15 at the time so I might have just been an ******* teenager by nature, not irritable from the medication hahahha. My poor mom). The headaches passed after about two to three weeks if my memory serves me well, and I ended up being slowly upped to 15omg a day. After taking this dose for about two weeks I noticed it was way too high because I was a ZOMBIE. I lacked any interest, was completely numb, ignored all of my schoolwork, and ended up feeling as if I was floating through life. So keep in mind when you're changing your dose, the medication may not be the issue, the dose just may be too high! When I went back down to 75mg I eventually "thawed" out and felt like an actual person again (that was cool). Fast forward 5 years later, I'm still on 75mg, and I could't be more grateful for this medication. I'm not going to lie and claim I'm happy or cheerful all the time, because let's face it, that's an unrealistic goal. BUT, I can get out of bed every morning, and I don't immediately dread the day. The medication didn't necessarily eradicate all sadness out of my life, but it wiped away the hues of gray that encompassed my life, allowing me to see colors once again. And let me tell you, I love the color yellow! I Know this was a super lengthy response to such a simple question but trying new medication is TERRIFYING, especially when you have go into it thinking it wreaks havoc on all. So, remember everyone is different, and everyone responds differently to medications. Don't let a couple of individuals with bad experiences steer you away from trying the drug, because it may work! Just research the side effects so you know what's normal and what isn't, and stay in contact with your psychiatrist for the first couple weeks so they can let you know if what you are experiencing is normal or they suggest you switch (drugs are so WEIRD).  And don't expect this to work right away or even suddenly! It's definitely a gradual experience, and I hope by the end you start to lose the grey and see the yellow! ALSO, if this medication doesn't end up working for you, if any of your family members, especially your mom or dad or siblings, have tried anything that work for them, I would try that next. Normally what works for a closely related relative is more likely to work for you to! It at least gives you somewhere to start rather than it being a random guessing game. I hope this helped even a little bit! I'm rooting for you!!!

[Lilyfish]

When I took effexor, i felt the effects within a few days. I was a new person. My anxiety was gone and i felt motivated and my hopelessness was gone. But I had to keep upping the dose month after month. J started getting very harsh headaches, bad constipation and very uncomfortable tingling in my palms. Getting off it was like withdrawing from opiates.

[RepairmanJack]

I actually have had a great deal of success on effexor. 75 MG a day keeps my depression at bay.

[Pudman56]

Yes and no as to does it work.  One, don't miss a dose.  It's 1/2 life is short, you'll feel the depression creeping back within 2 days and then it's like day one again.  I don't mean you start all over again waiting about 2-4 weeks for it to have some effect, but in cases such as mine, I'll be balled up in that fetal position as close to being back in the womb as I can get. It's one of the best, but it doesn't waste any time leaving your system.  I'm on it with bupoprion, or Welbutrin by it's brand name.  Been on it with many other anti's, I'm not advised nor would I ask to be taken off it. World wide it shares an excellent efficiency opinion.  BTW, I'm bipolar.  I take only Lamictal as a mood stabilizer. Xanax for anxiety.  I won't get into the HIV or chronic pain meds.  I'm surprised I haven't run out of space yet.

[SFnurse]

Yes!  It literally has saved me.

[SeymorePoon]

Well, the truth is and I can say this with certainty that effexor xr and the others of the same family like prestiqe, cymbalta, are very different than your experience with lexapro, prozac, zoloft etc.. and that effexor is a drug that is intense and will help most people get thru their personal battles but coming from someone who has been diagnosed with major and severe depression and anxiety disorders it did its job.  I know that there is no magic pill that will make life and our head feel like we are "normal" or even just always happy.  I have tried every short cut in the book of "how to self medicate" i don't know if there is a book but maybe i should write one..lol.
but back to effexor xr or its sister drug prestiq the part that people say is a nightmare is when or if you decide to stop taking it or even miss a dose.  I have first hand knowledge of the entire journey from lexapro->cymbals-> effexor -> prestiq and then totally not take anything but xanax for my anxiety.  if  anyone wants any specifics on what to expect please lml, i am happy to help.  After 20 yrs of different meds to hel[p me cope and live without those dark and hopless thoughts of despair i am now facing other crisis's that by all means would warrant heavy meds but for the first time in 20 yrs i am able to feel again, able to cry again and able to access all the highs and lows that the pills masked.  I am happier without the meds, i believe its because certain things in life that happen and are so dramatic and life changing must be dealt with rather than ignored with the help of these antipsychotic and psychotropic meds.

[aardvark13]

I was on Effexor XR for 2 years for GAD. I started at 37.5 and went to 75 after a month. Before 3 months I was able to stop all bentos. At the end of 2 years, I went back to 37.5 for 3 weeks, then 37.5 every other day for 2 weeks. I had np problems whatsoever coming off. I hope this lends encouragement to those who worry about withdrawal.

  Fred

[starry345]

What dose did you switch to? 10 years ago I had a very severe depression, and nothing worked, until I was put on Effexor and it literally saved my life. I felt like my old self again in just one week! i eventually went off of it years later and was taking well butrin and doing fine. well 2 months ago, a new even worse depression set in. My doctor immediately added Effexor since it had worked so well for me before. I am on 150 mg and it has not helped AT ALL. He has suggested upping it to 225 and then 300. Does changing the dosage make that big of a difference? i'm wondering if i should try upping the dose or just switch to a new AD in the hopes that it will work better?

[sara12345]

Effexor has saved my life.  At one point when I had taken it for a long time, I became severely depressed.  I told the doctor that it was situational and that no drug could help me.  I was so so surprised when a month later after increasing the dose, I was back to normal.  My mother and a several friends have also had positive experiences with it.  I withdrew from Effexor very gradually for months with no problem.  Then I became severely depressed.  I need to be on this medication for my life.  And I went on Pristiq, an upgraded version of Effexor which does not affect the sex drive. Hope that you will not be mislead by people who have had trouble getting off of it.  In every case, I have noted that they went off of it very fast.

[glover04]

Is Effexor a good AD?

[lola200677]

Please be careful with Effexor. It gave me a false positive of hypothyroidism in my blood tests after a year on it due to the excessive sweating I had every night. It messed up my thyroid hormones badly - just be careful. I'm not saying this will happen to everyone but just get this checked via blood tests if you suffer this side effect. It almost got my doc to put me on levothyroxine for life until I experimented and decided to taper off the drug (was hard and took a while) but tests were finally back to normal after it was out my system and I no longer sweat. How crazy is that! Be wary that's all I'm saying. Plus it depletes you of your nutrients in the body due to this side effect. Do blood tests of thyroid levels and keep an eye

[Freedom65]

Hello Folks. I enjoyed reading your experiences of Effexor. Here are mine.

I started taking it for anxiety more than anything.

At 75mg it worked for a while. Well worked means that I felt more relaxed, or sedated. After about a month my anxiety returned. I then increased the dose to 150mg (all this under doctors orders). Again, it worked in about 2 days! Then after another month the anxiety came back. Yes, 225 mg. The same again. Now my doctor will say 300mg but I know what the cycle is now. Recently depression has also kicked in on top of this. I am not sure what to do. It seems that doctors really do not understand my symptoms. So much so that I am beginning to try to diagnose myself.

Yes, it can make me more relaxed. Well, to a point where I cannot function. That is no good as I want a decent quality of life. All I am right now is a vegetable.

I feel I suffer from Behavioural Personality Disorder. This cannot be diagnosed. I just wonder if somebody can tell me how to overcome this disorder. Is Effexor the correct treatment? I am not sure. It calms me for a time but the anxiety always come back after weeks. It is still destroying my life.

I live in the UK. Doctors over here do not seem to take these problems seriously. I have even been accused of being a fraud by a psychologist. How do you think that felt?

I would be interested in your comments as my problems are destroying my life. Already lost my wife and kids. My girlfriend tried to help at first. Now she is doubting me.

Regards

[Lauriejohn]

Effexor isawesome!  I was put on it when it was new!  I was on it for about 20 + years.     I have had 2 children on it .   Both kids are in the gifted program at school and are well liked!    I would never have had them if not for Effexor.  My panic was soooooo bad!    I am54 now and have been able to get off of it too!   Prozac and Wellbrutin are what I take now!   Bur Effexor was great for those bad years!    Write to me if you have any questions!   Give it time to work.     Ok?   Xox.  Best wishes!    Laura

[Alaa1994]

I am happy for u and glad to hear that . I am on effexor 225 mg for a month now . Yesterday my doctor upped my dose to 300 mg cz of no to minimal improvement  after a month I am also taking seroxat and dogmatil. Do u think the upping my effexor dose my help and kick in ? I am really sick of anxiety and depression . I also have obsessive thoughts . All aspects of my life are affected badly and I feel that it is hard to live this way.  Can u plz help me . Thanks a lot I really appreciate it .

[rogersabio]

Effexor works by affecting the brain's neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine and helps to overcome sleep problems and  suicidal thoughts.

[SidneySmith]

Also, adding a small dose of Klonopine to help with your anxiety would probably do wonders for you.

See a Psych, not a therapist or MD!

[SidneySmith]

Usual dose for Seroquel is 300mg once at bedtime. It will knock you out so don't take it in the morning. A very usual combination with Seroquel is Lamictal. I take 200mg once in the morning.

After still spending too mush time being depressed, I began a drug in combination with these two called Emsam. I was stuck in depression for years and within days I was feeling energetic and hopeful again. Changed my life.

Last, if you are seeing an MD for mental health issues, stop and find a well recommended Psychiatrist who can give you an accurate diagnosis. I am my own advocate for my health and after years of researching my condition, my doctor started asking me for my advice and treatments I was receiving. Biggest problem I see is a mental health issue being tackled buy an unknowledgeable MD.

[ChrissieMG]

I've been on Effexor now for six months after going to detox and rehab for a 13 year benzo withdrawal (Ativan)  I have seen some improvements but the last month my severe anxiety and depression came back.  My doctor upped my Effexor yesterday to150 and the anxiety and depression are soooooo bad today.  How long until you saw a great improvement?  I am in therapy and will continue.  The pharmacist told me today an increase in anxiety and depression could last up to 2 weeks.  I would appreciate any feedback
Thank you so much!!

[sara12345]

It sounds like you could really use some therapy to cope with your feelings.  Also you may need to be on a different anti-depressant.  Hope you feel better.
Sara

[HollowFeelings]

I am on slow release venlafaxine. Started on it about four years ago.
Previous to this, in my teens, I was on Prozac for a chemical imbalance.
Had an eight year gap, without any meds. career was good. Family life was good.

then my world caved in; broken marriage, estranged sons, diagnosed with m.e. Cfs, second relationship fell apart. Dose went up.
My Partner was then killed and my life since has been bleak.
My kids that live with me keep me alive, they are my life.
Dose is upto 375mg now, I feel I have been kidding myself and all around me that I manage ok. I find it difficult to just be myself, like I have to seem ok to to other people. On the inside I feel: useless, I get up to sit down, to rest,  I have no energy, my mobility is rubbish, I've put on so much weight my clothes don't fit, my memory and concentration is utter pants. I can't look after myself let alone my home and children. I have Carers to run my home and look after myself and the children. It feels that I'm no use. I keep thinking of myself old and alone. I am not good with crowds. I am a hermit, only going out for appointments. I love my kids dearly but I feel useless. I can't play tractors on the floor or run around playing ball. My world is like sleep and awake, nothing in between. I am in massive debt of over 30k I will never clear in my lifetime that my ex husband left me with. I don't have a life. I am so fearful I will be alone forever, I am fearful of going outside. I want to meet people, but I don't like being in that sort of situation. I feel I can't trust people. I feel paranoid that people talk about me. I feel safe inside my home. But I am so lonely and afraid .... My mum is very poorly now. It's just one thing after another. I need a bit of life in my life. I hurt and ache constantly, with variable severe pain. I'm tired in day but can't always nod off on night. I have a multitude of symptoms I have suffered from since having m.e. I know that's that for me, so I try and interact with my kids, but they know mum is disabled and struggles everyday. Everyday brings difficult challenges for me. but my children keep me alive. I have a support worker etc, but she is not a friend, it's her job. I'm lost

[caro1918]

I have to say that Effexor has been a huge life changer for me and I have only been on it for a short period of time. Back in December I was put on my first med, which was Cipralex. I had such a bad reaction to that – it made me suicidal, kept me up more at night (when I was already only sleeping 2-3 hours for two months) and made me incredibly agitated/irritated within a very short period of time so I was taken off of it. I was put on Seroquel/Quetiapine which has helped stabilize my mood and other issues with a benefit of helping me sleep at night (still on it – now on 200mg), but it was not doing anything for my low mood so my psychiatrist decided to try Zoloft which did the exact same thing as Cipralex – and even at such a low dose of 45 mg worked against the sedating effect of Seroquel. Now that I have started Effexor I can actually say that I feel happy and has made me much more productive. It may not be for other people but it is honestly so amazing for me. I have had no side effects at all and it has actually stabilized my hunger (which increased when I started Seroquel). I also have to say that if there are no changes or your anxiety/suicidal ideation that you should really talk to your doctor about going to a different med and if he/she is telling you to wait it out that you need to get a second opinion – my gp (who originally put me on Seroquel) told me that I wasn’t on it long enough to see the good effects – but after my experience going on this drug I completely don’t agree.

[Bubb12]

I was taking this drug for about two years my pcp said I had to be on Effexor or Prozac or one of their buddies or I would not be able to be able to get my meds for anxiety like lorazepam ? I never really felt depressed but do suffer from anxiety. I have been off all the Prozac and Effexor style drugs and feel alive again. And treat my anxiety with buspar and have never felt better.