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Posted 9/15/2014 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone

Hope you are doing well, I need some comfort right now. I was on 75mg of Effexor for 10 days, then doc upped me to 150, 2 weeks today, still having some night time anxiety, some periods of calm and still trouble sleeping. Im using 2mg of valium some days but have been able to have some days with none. At 2 weeks now, How long will these anxiety side effects last?

Thanks you for your support
Posted 9/15/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tess and welcome!

It is hard to answer your question specifically, as everyone is different...

However, you may be between a quarter to half-way through your break-in period for your Rx.

Start up increased anxiety and s/e's can last anywere on average from 4-10 weeks (approx).

I am sure that seems like forever, but if you ultimately end up with a med that works to help manage your anxiety, then it is usually worth toughing it out if you can.

It is good that you have your benzo script to use when things are overwhelming...that is what they are prescribed for.

Coping skills can also be really helpful for using to lower overall stress levels. We have a great collection of self-help material in our Resource Guide. Find it on our main page, 1st thread.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care...and support is key! :)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/16/2014 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
So you have been on effexor for a total of three weeks? I would say that the fact that you have had some good days is promising. I didn't have any consistency until I reached 187.5. It took quite awhile to feel the benefits so hang in there. You may just need your dosage tweaked. Some people need higher doses for anxiety. Keep doing what you are doing and you will get better! Peace, Lisa
Posted 9/16/2014 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your support I really appreciate your quick response too. Its just hard when you have a young family and every day not feeling yourself and being able to do things I have done for everyone, I hope it the side effects ease more and more. Its difficult being patient with time too but I am practising yoga and meditation also.

DO you think give this dose 150mg a good 4-6 weeks before deciding to increase?
Posted 9/16/2014 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tess

Yes you need to give it a bit of time for your body to get used to the medication it can take between 4-8 weeks before the full benefit can be felt. I was on Effexor a few years ago and found it really helped with my anxiety so I wish you good luck with it.

Hibee
Posted 9/24/2014 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again

Just wanted to update you on my Effexor experience so far. Its been just over 3 weeks on 150mg, last week was pretty bad anxiety/emotional wise up and down. Still needing half to a full sleeping tablet and waking up with jitters which seem to disappear through the day but then get some anxiety in the late arvo and evening, especially the last 2 nights. I a waiting for my Pdoc to call me back in regards to these symptoms. have to say that although Im still not back to myself I have achieved more this week and do feel better than last week.

Im able to do some tasks and even gone to work nearly everyday for an hour or so feeling ok. Do you guys think another week or 2 before I decide to up another 37.5, don't want to go too quickly as I have done this before years ago and the side effects were too much. all up I have been on Effexor starting at 75mg 33 days.

what are your thoughts? the anxiety gives me doubts its not working which is frustrating.

Thanks so much
Posted 9/25/2014 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Tess,

I hope that you hear from your doctor today...as I think that his/her opinion and guidance will help you in taking your next step.

If things are looking better...even a little...then that is a very good sign!

You are only a quarter to maybe half way through your start up, so some lingering anxiety is to be expected still.

Whether or not you up your dose at this point or wait is a good decision to make with your P-doc, so hopefully you get that call soon.:)

Use your coping skills in the a.m. and whenever you are having challenging times.

Keep us updated, and know that we are cheering you on in your continued start-up.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/25/2014 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Test, when I was on effexor, I had the jitters too. They did subside, so don't worry about that. The med started becoming more effective for me at 187.5. I still had some anxiety but no where near as bad as it was. I should have we y to 225mg but foolishly I switched meds. I now realize how much better I felt on effexor as the one I'm on now is doing nothing for me. Anyway, I have been told that you need to be on a therapeutic dose for approx 6 weeks and symptoms will continue to improve as time goes on. Of course you should ask your doctor and accept his advise, I'm just relating to you and I think you are on the path to feeling better. Please keep us posted!!
Posted 9/25/2014 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, I spoke to my Pdoc and he said he wants me to stay on this dose and assess again in the next 2-3 weeks as we have seen an improvement he knows from last time a few years ago we went up too quick and it caused too many issues and way too much anxiety,highs/lows and . I had a massage yesterday and fell asleep with natural sleeping supplement which was great.

Thanks so much for your support, Im taking it slowly.Ill get there
Posted 9/26/2014 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
That is great news. I'm seeing my psychiatrist on Monday to discuss the possibility of going back on effexor too. Was it effective for you the first time? How long were you on it for and why did you stop if you don't mind me asking?
Posted 9/26/2014 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Effexor for anxiety for approx. 6 years no issues really, then instead of increasing when my brother passed away - he had cancer, I changed to lexapro b/c I was only seeing a GP. Effexor works best for me. then had issues with Lexapro, more anxiety and a lot of weight gain,approx 10kg - so tried a couple of othersant even remember what they were before going to see a Pdoc and he put me on Pristiq which was too strong to begin with, so went back to Effexor for 6mths then went over to pristiq for another 1 year then decided I wanted to heal my anxiety with a program that you face, accept float and let time pass whilst having way too many other projects going on in my life, plus a family to take care of.I weaned off pristiq over 7 mths with is support and was off completely for just over a month with anxiety building every day - kept practising method but it kept getting worse so had to reach out for help and get back on Effexor.Im practising daily meditation and yoga something I believe I need to do for life aswell and cut back on the projects and do things slowly and be back on AD for a while. Im having a good day today, I think sometimes when we get anxiety on a dose or are a bit down we doubt ourselves and think its not working when really we just needed an increase. I spoke to my Pdoc yesterday, he doesn't want me to go up again just yet, give it more time and we will look at it again in 2-3 weeks, he said if you have seen an improvement week to week , its working. 4 weeks on this dose next Tuesday so we are getting there. If you suffer from anxiety then Effexor Is the best I believe.
Posted 9/26/2014 7:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing. I am going to be going back on effexor too. Lexapro has not been very helpful and my anxiety is in panic mode for most of the day. What dose were you on years ago?
Posted 9/26/2014 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
you need to go really slow start at 37.5 for a week, then 75mg, then 150mg, si there for atleast 4 weeks before going up too quick, people with anxiety need to go real slow, I have learnt that, going to fast just prolongs up and down and more side effects and anxiety.

I was on 150mg and never needed valium only to fly but didn't have panic attacks or anxiety at all really, just normal anxiety or nerves for things that you normally would. looking back I needed to go up rather than switch, you can always taper down if you are doing well. I really do think though that anxious people need to do more than just take a pill. therapy, good diet,exercise and meditation are going to benefit us even more. I'd like to recover completely one day, I know people have so down the track whenever that might be that is my goal.All th bes you will be fine and having been on Lexapro, Effexor will be better for you. Take care
Posted 9/30/2014 7:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys another good update from me, I have not needed a sleeping tablet or any valium/Benzo since Last Thursday, Today is exactly 4 weeks on 150mg and doing pretty well. feeling so much better but continuing to journal, meditate and do yoga also, plus some therapy which I'm going to in a couple of weeks. All the best Coopsmom , keep us updated
Posted 9/30/2014 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
That is great news! I'm starting effexor this week. Hopefully I can get there too! Thanks for posting this! It's great encouragement! ! Keep it up!!!
Posted 10/6/2014 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again

Just thought I would update again, I have some good days over the last 2 weeks, and usually just one day or some afternoon anxiety on 1-2 days. I have PMS symptoms too (tomorrow would have been 5 weeks on 150mg) - due in 7 days so I woke up with some anxiety to day which went on most of the morning so I called my doc and went and saw him. didn't have a very good sleep either last night, we have now added 37.5mg of Effexor to the 150mg, he thinks it will make a difference over the next 2-3 weeks with more consistency if I still get a day or 2 per week after that time we will add another 37.5 to get me to 225mg. It certainly is a roller coaster but the fact that Im having a few goods in a row is a very good sign that effexor is working for me again, he just said we need to go slow and steady.

Anyway hope you are doing well coopsmom, Have you started the Effexor again?
Posted 10/8/2014 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, Test! I just started my 75 mg of effexor today. I'm still taking 20mg of cipralex and will lower that in 2 weeks and bump up the effexor. I had a long talk with my gp yesterday and he put some of my fears to rest about the whole withdrawl fear. I'm pretty menstrual right now, so I'm kind of expecting a bit more anxiety but I'll try and use my coping skills for that. I also started reading Feeling Good the new mood therapy book by David Burns. It's about cognitive therapy. I'm taking classes too so hopefully the meds and therapy will get me on track again. Funny thing, I've actually been feeling pretty ok this week, but I know the cipralex just won't cut it in the long run. How are you doing???
Posted 10/16/2014 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone

How are you going with Effexor Coopsmom? I have been on 187.5 now for 7 days, have had a good few days after my period and not needing valium or sleeping tablet till last night, feeling a bit low today and have had a cry and some anxiety too of course. Managed to go for a run this morning and going for a massage too soon. this certainly is a roller coaster, Im sure Ill be going up to 225mg soon, If Im like this again next week think Ill call my Pdoc, I know these meds work so I am hanging in there but it sure does get frustrating on the yuk days.
Posted 10/16/2014 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tess,

All in all things sound good. Even when you are on a good med that is working well for you...there are bound to be breakthrough periods of anxiety from time to time.

That is where the coping skills can really save the day. It is good to always practice them...but especially during the challening times.:)

We have a bunch in our Resources here:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Best wishes for feeling better tomorrow...I am sure you will.;)

S.C.

Posted 10/20/2014 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone

Well I was on 187.5 for 11days and then had a very low few days in a row fr/Sat - very down and emotional. so was increased to 225mg now only 3 days in, I feel much calmer and have slept well the last 2 nights but still a bit flat and emotional, been crying a bit since Fri. The depression is awful, I hope it lifts soon as I have been having good days but would just love some more consistency, I so want to be well again. I went for a run today and my appetite is pretty good, but I just want to feel myself again. I know I need to be patient but im just struggling with the low mood. Hugs to all
Posted 10/20/2014 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Tess,

Sounds like you are moving in the right direction. Try to keep using postive mantras as much as possible to combat the low feelings/mood.

Great job on getting out for some exercise!! Keep up the good work!

Sending continued support. I am betting this is going to be the start of a real improvement phase for you.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/20/2014 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi S.C

Thanks so much for your support and encouraging words, I am really being pro-active with my recovery but have struggled with the low mood as I don't feel like this very often, it scares me and I wonder will I get better?, its more the anxiety I have always found difficult but the depression is such a terribe feeling because I am usually a happy and positive person. I hope it lifts soon and thank you
Posted 10/20/2014 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Tess, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling blue. Are you nearing or finishing your menstrual cycle? I get quite blue and anxious near the end of my cycle. I'm on my 2nd week of 75mg of effexor along with the 20mg of cipralex. I'll be upping the effexor to 150mg and downing the cipralex to 10 this week. Aside from my menstrual yuckies, I'm doing ok. Still have some anxiety but manageable. Keep in mind that depression doesn't last indefinitely, and that it will pass. I'm using my positive self talk and deep breathing. We will get through this for certain. Just keep leaning on people who can relate. It's great that you went for a run! That alone is supposed to be as good as an antidepressant! How is your anxiety? Is that still bothering you too? When I was on effexor last time, it took a good 3 months to begin working, so hang in there!!! I'm rooting for you!
Posted 10/20/2014 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lisa

Thanks so much, I know it will lift but Its hard to cop with it, I have been meditating twice a day, doing yoga also and exercising pretty much every day 25mins jogging.I know Ill get there I have been doing positive mantras every day. anxiety not too bad, a little in the evening but manageable, had some last night when woke through the night took half sleeping tablet twice and a valium this morning only 2mg, this also probably due to the increase, only 4 days in. I remember it took me 3 mths last time when I went through this to get some consistency but b/c I am doing all these other things I am hoping it will take less time . its 2 mths tomorrow since I started so Hopefully I ll see much more of an improvement over the coming weeks. was very emotional before last period that was 2 weeks ago, hence the increase to 187.5mg but now at 225mg hopefully less tension and blues when my period comes in 2 weeks. Im glad your doing ok, you are right we will get there, I know that. My youngest daughter is home sick today so I cant go for a run this morning but will do it when me eldest gets home from school. take care and lets keep supporting each other, I really appreciate your support and understanding X
Posted 10/20/2014 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Of course! I have kids too and it sure does make it harder, but they will love us to bits regardless! I always feel guilty when my youngest wants to play when I'm blah, so I put in a movie. Despicable Me usually perks me up! Keep doing what you're doing and it will pay off! It has too!! We're stronger than we think!
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