How Does Effexor Help YOUR Anxiety?

I'm currently taking both Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) and Lithium Carbonate to treat co-morbid my mental illnesses.

I'm just wondering, for anyone taking Effexor XR to treat their Generalized Anxiety Disorder, how do you find it has helped you, in what ways do you think it is inefficient, and what sort of side effects or issues have you had with it?

I have personally found that it has definitely helped me; my paranoia is less, my panic attacks are less, and my social phobia is now manageable on most days, if it actually bothers me. I still often get extremely anxious or uncomfortable, though, and sometimes it is more than I can deal with through breathing exercises or CBT techniques.

I guess I'd just like to hear of other people's experiences. TIA!

[natdilan]

what dose are you on? i am on efexor xr i am 37.5 and i think i need to put my dose up but scared to I halps me but the axiety steel there .but every one is diferent i think.

[natdilan]

sorry it helps me i meant to say

[smashed_reality]

I'm currently taking 150 mg Effexor XR.

[lynn57]

If it helps at all, you still may need a higher dose.  Until you have peaked out you can't really say that it isn't working.  I liked it except for sleep issues.

[Ariom63]

Well all I can say I did nothing for me but make my anxiety sky high..I felt like I was going insane!  Much better now..have had only 2 anxiety attacks in the last 5 yrs!