Hello, I just started effexor yesterday and was immediatly struck with nausea and grogginess. I have been reading reviews on it and it sounds like a bear to stop once one begins this path. Wow, is it worth it?
Maitland Mom

Most SSRI's are difficult to wean off once you start therapy. There is no easy way to handle it. I am not a big supporter of drugs of any kind and SSRI'S top my list. However for some it is an effective way to control depression or anxiety episodes. When first I started my panic attacks they insisted that I MUST be depressed and started me on a course of Paxil. It took me exactly three days to decide that this was not the route for me. Instead of lifting my spirits...so to say....it actually depressed me and caused suicidal ideations. I have since flat out refused to even listen if the doctors suggest something such as this. Paxil is the most common SSRI to cause suicidal thoughts.....I believe for some it is a very dangerous course to take.
However....that said......do not just stop taking the effexor. Go and speak with your doctor first before making any decision to simply quit. What did they prescribe it to you for? Anxiety or depression? If for anxiety there are other ways to deal with it pharmaceutically . Good luck hon.

I have suffered frm Generalized ANxiety Disorder for 13 years. I never had a problem with Prozac with is an SSRI. Until recently. I had been off it for years when I asked them to put me back on, when they did, they overdosed me on it and I suffered from Seratonin Symdrome. Once I recovered from that, I have found I cant take ANY anti depresants which *****! So I take my Xanax once a night and pray I do not have a melt down.

Its an awful way to live I Tell ya.


My best friend just started Zoloft (much to my cries for her to NOT!) and the first 2 weeks were miserable for her. But now that she is used to the medication she feels great! I just worry about her coming off of it. I heard its awful.

PS Prozac never gave me a days trouble when I was getting off it, but I did it gradually like I was told to do...

Good Luck!

Dear'Maitlandmom'
It does seem a little early to link your symptoms with the AD.Not that I dismiss the possibility as I am not a Doctor.Usually it takes a while for the AD to get into the system but you might be hyper-sensitive.
It is better that you call your prescribing Physician and make an appointment immediately.
I have been on a small dose of Prozac for many years and Thank God no problems.
However I was never able to come off them even when I went so slowly .
The prescribing Doctor concluded that it is better to continue with this small dose than go through the Hell I went through trying to get off

I believe there is a place for ADs but used only under strict supervision and starting with the smallest possible dose.
Also there are people who do wean off the ADs with not too much difficulty which makes me conclude that our Physiological make-ups are so different that each individual will react very differently.

Anyway,Good Luck and please call the Doctor
Let us know how you go on.

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

I started Effexor two months ago after struggling with increasing anxiety, sleeplessness, hotflashes, and constant dizziness and offbalance feeling for over a year. Within a week I was feeling better and now feel as close to normal as I have in years. When I started I did experience some nausea and was tired but these side effects went away within the first two weeks. I have read all the horror stories but for me if was definitely worth it. I started at 25mg twice a day and increased gradually to 37.5mg twice a day. Good luck on whatever you decide.
Lee

I had terrible problems with Effexor, it not only made me groggy but it heightened my anxiety to a level I have never experienced and wouldn't wish on my worst of enemies. I wanted to die after only taking it a week. My mother had the same experience with a drug from the exact same family. Prozac never gave me any difficulties going on or off of it. With any AD you must give it time to get into the system but you will know if one is not right for you.

Effexor does WONDERS for me. Tried taking Lexapro first, but it caused horrible anxiety, chest pains and suicidal thoughts -- something I've NEVER considered! Onlu took it three days and flushed the rest down the toilet. I started feeling better within a week of first taking Effexor, but it takes a couple of months to get the full effect. But then everybody is different. Most of the women on this site seem to be doing better with Lexapro than Effexor.

Question for any of you ladies on AD's
I've been taking Paxil 20mg everyday for 6 months. And at first I had to let it kick in. In the beginning I would have rough mornings until evening. Then starting in March I would have 3 weeks feeling great then 5 days bad. This went on till last week and now I'm stuck in the bad. I may have a couple good evenings. Could it be possible I need to up the dosage or change to something else ( which I will just hate ). Pharmacy told me there is a Paxil cr which is controlled release. Maybe that would work?? Been post 6 yrs so not a meno problem.
Anybody that could answer I would deeply appreciate your thoughts....
char

One other thing about the Effexor. I noticed the grogginess too. The doctor had told me to take it around 8 pm. I tried that and I felt like crap the next day, until about noon. I kept moving the time back until now I take it right after lunch. That seems to work in that the grogginess hits me right around bedtime.

Char...

Normally, doctor's start you off at the lowest dose.
After the medication gets in your system (which it is).
Some do need an increase. That's true with most AD's.
Talk to your doctor about an increase. Slow release...
Is a good idea...keeps a steady dose through out the day.
Doesn't sound like you need to switch...just increase.

Yep

yep,
Thanks for advice. I'm just so confused latety. I felt so good and now bam! I can't seem to climb out of this hole.
char

I had a similar experience to "armywife". I have anxiety disorder that had been under control for six years on 20 of paxil. One night I missed a dose (ran out of med) and the following day had terrible anxiety and panic all day. The psychiatrist recommended going up to thirty mg. Since I was feeling ok, I decided to finish the 20mg tabs I had before going up to thirty. Then I forgot to fill the prescription (I have ADD, too), and missed three doses. I was having serotonin withdrawal and terrible anxiety. I raced to the pharmacy and took the thirty mg dose thinking in a couple hours I would feel better. No such luck! That was six months and three antidepressants ago. Every time I get close to a therapeutic dose my body goes crazy: restless, jittery, and anxiety through the roof. (lexapro was the worst). On top of that, I've developed terrible depression and I cry at the drop of a hat. In the midst of all this I found out that the unfamiliar "panic" symptoms I was having (cold flushes, chills) probably meant I'm perimenopausal. So my PMD started me on low dose birth control hoping to smooth out my hormones. I've only gone through one pack and am psyching myself up to taking the second. Trouble is, when I feel better or worse I don't know if it's the bcp or the antidepressant!

Years ago, I took Effexor because the MD thought it would help with the panic/anxiety/and ADD. She didn't tell me anything about side effects so the following morning I took my first dose. About an hour later I started seeing stars, had to run inside to throw up, then slept for the next two hours. (and that was supposed to be the low dose!) Fortunately, I ended up with paxil and had six years that were at least tolerable. If the med I'm on now doesn't work, I may consider effexor again, but taken at night. : )