Thank you, I could use all the help I can get! I truly appreciate your response.
I can understand your negative reactions to the SSRI drug Effexor. Trust me, I know ALL about it when I was on Zoloft. Sure, it improved my mood, but it made my physical symptoms 10-fold, and made me get new symptoms which were not only horrifying but I never knew I could experience before. If you want, I can bump my threads: "This is MY story" and as well as my thread: The "Truth" about Panic Attacks: What I believe.
Or just go on page 2, they are both on there if you wish to read them. The "Truth" about Panic Attacks briefly explains WHY SSRI's don't work, for a LOT of people, and I link to a website that explains everything clearly. If you want, I will post the link on here. It is THE best website I have found that has explained everything scientifically so far. It is called:
www.panic411.com
I was reluctant to respond to your question because what I have to say is very negative about Effexor XR. I have been taking it since August 2006 and I am now in the middle of my second attempt to get off it. If you want to know more, even though it is negative and just one person's experience, let me know. Otherwise, I wish your brother the best of luck on this drug. For me, it only took 3-4 days to kick in.
Some people it works right away, but others it can take up to a few weeks. Tell him to hang in there.