Posted by Zellie on November 25, 2003, at 23:46:02
In reply to took my first effexor this morning..., posted by jayt243 on November 25, 2003, at 9:47:18
It is normal to feel worse at first, until your body adjusts to the medication. Each time your dose is increased until you reach the optimum dosage, you will likely experience a few side-effects. I found that these subsided almost entirely over time. It is helpful if your doc has you titrate up very slowwwwwly (my doc had me go 4 weeks on the lowest dose, then about 5 or 6 weeks on the next level, then about 8 weeks, and so on. I have been at 150 mg for many months now).
You may also experience an increase in depression at certain doses. I found for me that this was true, because the med seemed to work on my anxiety first. I discovered that, once the anxiety was reduced, it no longer was there to prod me through the depression. The anxiety had actually served a purpose previously. Once the Effexor reached 150 mg, I found that the anxiety, depression, and in my case, also the ADHD, were all substantially improved.
Everyone's body and experience is different. Some love Effexor (as I do), others hate it. For me, it is the first time in 42 years that I have been given my life. I am happier, more fun to be with, calmer, contented, not high-strung and rattled, less annoyed or irritable....I am very grateful.
Good luck. P.S. Utilize the net to gather as much info on your meds and on your condition as you can. Read recommended books on the matter. Get yourself as educated as you can. It will help tremendously for you to learn about what to expect. Moreover, be patient with the Effexor. It does not work right away, and may be months before it works optimally. My advice is, if you have no unbearable side-effects, then stick with it.
> and I think it made me feel worse :-( I've been feeling great the past couple days without any drugs but now I have a headache and I'm really tired and irritable and just want to get in bed and cry. Is it the effexor already or is it all psychological because I'm stressing about taking it? Is it ok for me not to want to take it anymore? Or should I just stick with it...
poster:Zellie
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031121/msgs/283897.html