Effexor feedback

I have been posting over at the anxiety forum, but thought to check here on this medication. I started having anxiety after a recurring health issue that popped up this past January. The anxiety went nuts, and before long I knew that something was off, and decided to get help Zoloft didn't work for as it really caused insomnia which then caused more anxiety. Anyway, I am now on day 3 of Effexor, 37.5 which I know is a small dose (after 3 concussions it was determined that I would be sensitive to medications, which I am). I take this in the morning, but am sooooo spaced out and lethargic/unmotivated. I am an engineer and can't be this way at work before things would fall apart there. Just curious on the side effects, and how long they usually take to lessen. I know everyone is different, but curious. My guess is that I should also start taking this at night instead of the morning? XR version by the way.......

I meet with my psychologist tomorrow morning, and will go over things then. I just got to work and am feel really drugged up. I also just took my effexor pill a few minutes ago, so we will see what that does. If things get any worse, I don't think I would be comfortable driving. Really hoping this is all part of the initial effects that lessen soon. I know others have told me that things are worse before they get better. But not being able to drive is a deal breaker if that continues. Anyway, you say this is a good medication. Elaborate if you can. Thank you!

Effexor (375 mg) worked very well for me for many years, but missing a dose or two was horrid, as was trying to get off of it. I'd be walking my dogs in the morning and crying, feeling light-headed or weird in the head, and the light bulb would go off: I forgot to take my Effexor. Discontinuation syndrome -- so awful! I was down to counting grains in the capsules when I finally gave up. Unfortunately, my doc switched me to Cymbalta so I could get off of the Effexor after probably a dozen years, and continued me on 450 of Welbutrin as well, and I'm just not doing as well as I did on the Effexor and Welbutrin.

I toy with the idea of going back into therapy. My psych just retired so my GP is managing my meds, so I really should find a psych again. The one who just retired got me on Welbutrin, which at first was INCREDIBLE to deal with my most frustrating symptom: Overwhelming fatigue and lack of motivation to do ANYTHING. But getting back into therapy, finding a new psych, it's all so much time, energy and dollars, and after 30+ years, I just kind of want to quit everything. But, of course, I remember all too well the black times between medications, and, of course, before medication, when I hardly functioned at all.

I also have ulcerative colitis, and I know y'all can relate to wondering why in the world I was "lucky" enough to get these two awful diseases, even though I'm doing well with my colitis, and have been successful in treating my depression, for the most part. I'm just tired of fighting the battle all of these years. ~sigh~

I started Effexor XR about a year ago, starting at 37.5 mg. It does have a stimulating effect so I always take it in the morning, usually around 10AM. I had never used any other anxiolytic or antidepressant before in my life, however I was (and still am) fighting cancer, and when my wife was also diagnosed she became hostile and everything just became overwhelming.

The only side effects I recall early on was a constant headache which eventually disappeared after a few weeks, and a hissing sound in my head (not auditory tinnitus) that still persists today. Searching other MDD forums I found others who had experienced the buzzing noise also. That early small dosage got me thru a couple difficult surgeries. Fairly soon thereafter I upped my dose to 75MG which has helped to counteract some of the SE's of chemo.

There are times I feel myself slipping and in January upped my dose to 150mg again in AM. It's hard to keep a positive outlook and I still have crying fits that can last for hours. My Dr said I can go as high as 300mg, but recently tried 225 per day for a week or so and the buzzing in my head became unbearable and it didn't do much to help the moodiness so I'm sticking with 150mg.

I don't remember ever feeling spaced out at any time, even initially, but the first couple months I was relieved to have found something that worked. Anyway, the discontinuation syndrome is real. I was sick with dry heaves a few weeks ago and couldn't take anything for a day, and could feel the brain shoops starting already just missing one day. Now it seems it's not working so well anymore, which surprised me as I'd heard it has good durability. Getting off this stuff will be difficult. I've heard it's worse than narcotic withdrawal.

I'm hoping as you posted a while ago that you've either become accustomed to the drug or found something else that works.

Post Edited (RobLee) : 4/15/2018 6:55:52 AM (GMT-6)