Switching from Tofranil to Effexor XR

I have been taking Tofranil (175mg) for almost 7 years.  My diagnosis is agitated depression with anxiety and panic attacks.  I finall sought medical helo after havuing suffered more than 20 years with this problem.  Recently, after 7 years of this medication I started to have anxiety and panic attacks again.  My psychiatrist wants me to wean from Tofranil (175mg) by 25mg per day.  Introduce Effexor (37.5mg) for 2 days and increase by 2 days until I reach 150 mg and no more Tofranil.  This should take approx. 2 weeks.

I have had so much success with Tofranil until recently, I am nervous about trying new medication.  I have started my first dose of 37.5mg today and am decreasing the Tofranil by 25 mg.

My question is, how much different is Effexor XR (SSRI) from Tofranil (Trycyclic)?  My doctor seems to think this will be much better for me because it is better for anxiety than Trofranil (he was surprised the Tofranil has worked as well for me as it has since it's more generally prescibed for Depression not Depression/Anxiety/Panic Attacks.  He also thinkgs the side effects are better. I really worry about side effects. Tofranil gave me horendous night sweats/violent dreams/low labido, which I have tolerated but not happy about it.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from someone soon.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The side effects of the newer antidepressants like Effexor are much less than Tofranil-like medications and you should be pleasantly surprised to find that out first hand.

I think you are in good hands and should follow his advice but remember that responses are very individualistic and you may have to experiment to find the right medication.

[Debstorck]

Thank you for your quick response.  I am finding, although it's only been 3 days that so far nothing like the Tofranil.  I am, however, a bit skeptical as the dosage increases (today) but hopeful that it won't be too bad.

This forum is very useful for topics like medications and reactions.  It's also very comforting to those that are just starting out.  As you know there is peace in knowing you're not alone.  Thanks again.