Feeling of medication.... Any thoughts?

[Bimpy19]

I am currently on Effexor 7mg. I started at 37.5 for about two weeks, seemed to be working then started to get panic again so my doctor increased to where I am now.  Yesterday I went back to the doctor for a follow up, she now wants to increase to 150mg because this week I have become panic again. I am nervous to this high as I don't know how my body will react. I never had to take medication before. I feel if I increase I will be come dependent of the medication and will never be able to come off of it. I also feel that I will have a seziure or something with so much medication.  This week has been tough, my dr thinks it's hormonal as I am also on birth control and my panic is worse certain times of the month. Also I feel I am more calm on this medication at times and I get nervous because I am not used to being calm. Is this a normal feeling?  I start to overthink that something is wrong like my heart is not beating so I will take my pulse and of course it's beating. I have two sessions with a therapist we are working on my negative thinking all the time but it is hard I have a lot of work to do. I do not feel like myself and it's so hard, I just don't know what to do anymore. Any thoughts would be great, I would like to hear from you. I need to talk to people that are having the same feelings so I don't feel so crazy!

[cj29]

I have been on and off medications for years...I am currently on a low dose of Zoloft and I believe it has helped me tremendously throughout the years.  I was intially against and afraid of any forms of medication until I decided to finally give it a try.  My doc told me one thing that has stuck through the years.  He had asked me if I was prescribed medication for high blood pressure when diet and exercise alone could not help it, would I take it?  My answer was, yes.  He went about this pattern for different ailments and finally asked me why it should be any different with anxiety?
I really didn't have an answer....

While there is no 'magic pill' that will cure you of anxiety, depression, etc., I do believe that medication can be a useful tool when combined with therapy...and it sounds like you are taking the right track in my opinion.  Counseling does take time and it can be very hard at times, but it is the most important step in dealing with anxiety in my experience with it, but when combined with medication (at least for me), it can be a very powerful combination.  

Keep us posted!

[4Maddie44]

I was on 150mg Effexor, and it did help with anxiety.  I am now off it, and the anxiety has come back.  You should be OK on that dosage, and you can always talk to your doctor if you are worried.  Yes Effexor is very difficult to withdraw from, so be sure you want to stop it.  

My doctor suggested I came off the Effexor.  I have been on anti depressants for many, many years.  I know it is difficult to control anxiety without medication.

I hope your therapist will be helpful.  It is good that you have that support.

Some people are on higher doses of Effexor, but I believe 150mg is perfectly normal, so don't worry that it is too much.  Just see how you go.

I am struggling with anxiety without medication, and it is not easy.

Take care, and let us know how you get on.