A Question about Effexor?

[alrdyc]

I started taking Effexor about ten days ago.  I started taking just 75mg a day and then the doctor upped it to 75mg twice a day.  And then 150mg twice a day.  And within about two days I started to feel like myself again.  It was like the depression had completely lifted.  And I felt like myself for about three days, but then I started feeling bad again.  For the past four days I feel like the depression is back.  Not as bad as it was.  It's just like I am not myself again.  I was just wondering with Effexor XR if things like this happen.  I mean is it normal to feel good again and then bad again until it reaches a theraputic level.  I know it says it can take six to eight weeks to completely get into your system but I was wondering if it is still going to work for me?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

There is a lot of variability in the syndrome of depression,so you should just keep at it and let it even itself out. Also, remember that depression is a normal, state of mind for all of us and is related to how we see our future and how much hope and passion we have for the life we have constructed.  Consider talking to a therapist or started an online dialogue with me through the masteringstress program(above link).

[Moo]

My Effexor was just increased to 150mg also. I have been on this dose for about 10 days now, but I have not noticed a BIG change yet. Just a teeny one. I'm sorry that I can't answer your question, but,I will be watching all the posts in case someone does. I have been on Prozac before but Effexor is new to me. Actually, I'd never heard of it till it was prescribed to me. Is it new? Is it similar to Prozac and Paxil and all the others like that? Is it used more for "particular" problems rather than just depression in general? If anyone knows more about it, please fill me in.
Thank you.

[wildcat]

Yes, Effexor is very new and similar to the SSRI'S but it is more for depression and anxiety only. It seems to have slightly less side effects, but the same withdrawal effects as the others.

That's been described and I experienced it as well, head zaps and tingling body sensations like someone zapped you with one of those stun guns or something but not quite so severe. It is quite annoying though.

I have seen others refer to Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil. I found Celexa easy to get off of, I never tried Prozac or Paxil but I hear Paxil is the worst for withdrawal.

[Doggies4]

I use Effexor XR and it has been the best antidepressant I have ever tried.  I have tried many, including Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, etc. etc.  If you are just getting started just stay on if for a while.  It does take a while.  You may have felt the sudden  surge of hopefulness because you were finally tackling the problem and then the new wore off.  Hang in there.

[alrdyc]

Thanks Doggie4. Your comments were greatly appreciated.  I am on the up and up and getting better.  It is nice to know that someone else has had success with effexor.  I am glad it has been the best antidepressant for you.  Hope all is well with you.

alrdyc

[sweetsilk]

I have recently been prescribed Effexor as well and know nothing about anti-depressants. I do know that Effexor has helped with my depression, once it got into my system, but I am on a low dosage right now. I am not sure however that effexor will be a part of my life forever. I don't trust my doctor and am in the process of finding a new one. I beleive that he is just "masking" each concern I go to him with and that the drugs he had me on caused the problems I now have. I took Zyprexa when I was in the hospital and after I got out, which I believe sent me into a sever depression. He never even really gave me a diagnosis, my husband did some reaseach and found out more about my condition than the doctor ever did. He believes I am Bipolar and from the symptoms of that condition...I fit the profile...several symptoms fit me.

[CharlesB00]

i've been taking effexor xr at a 300 mg dose and wellbutrin at a 100 mg dose for about 7 months now.  I feel great.. i mean i can function and i'm also very assertive.. which i like.  The problem for me was that the health insurance i have decided 60 tablets of effexor at a 150 mg dose was just "too many" for them to cover.  (this from a ppo). So now they won't pay anything more than 30 150 tablets a month instead.  Even when the doctor yelled at the insurance company they told him to shove it so now i'm going back down to 150 a day and also upping the wellbutrin up to 150.. i hope everything stays fine i'll be hoping.