support

Ive been on Effexor for about 2 weeks now..I hadn't noticed a difference in my anxiety but my psychiatrist said she noticed a change because I was first crying and now I'm just emotionless.

But the problem is I just increased my dose, I'm on 150 mg and it's making my anxiety worse. This is the worst I've ever felt. I can't sleep and I'm sitting here questioning my beliefs, my whole life, my career..etc...I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm wondering if this is the real me, is everything I'm doing in life wrong or is the real me being blocked by this medication :(

[Lonya]

I too take effexor I have been on it for ten years.In the last 6 months they took me off because I did not think it was working any more. I was so wrong! Effexor does cause anxiety to get worse. That is just what it does .there are things they can put you on to help with it. Usely they will start with Busbar ( may not be spelled right). In my case it did not help. However I know people it has worked on. Next they could try Trizadone ( again check spelling) it helped a lot it was for anixity,depression, and sleep. I do have some more ideas but These are the two I have found work best. I completly understand were you are coming from I am in the same boat. I do the same things. I would love to chat more sometime as we defently have a lot of the same problems. I hope this has help in some way. You are not alone . I am here too. with love Lonya

[mammo]

It takes 4-6 weeks for Effexor to reach a therapeutic level in your body, and this is when you notice the most improvement.  Did your doctor increase your medication, 2 weeks is a bit too soon in my opinion.  Call your doctor and let him/her know how you are feeling, he may want to add something for anxiety, or may decide this isn't the right medication for you.  It may just be your body adjusting to the medication, but you want to hear this from your doctor. Keep in mind that what works for one, may not for another, we all react differently to these types of medications.  Unfortunately, it is often trial and error to find the right medication, but when we do it is well worth it.  Work closely with your doctor with this, and never hesitate to question them about something, that's why they're there. It's great that you are working with a psychiatrist with your medication as they are the most knowledgable.  Call your doctor and go from there.  It will get better!  Take care.