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 Jun 25 2007, 10:20 AM
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Advanced Member
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QUOTE(Lazzy85 @ Jun 24 2007, 11:38 AM)  Hey everyone!
This is my first post - I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety about a month ago. I was on edronax (i think its reboxetine) for a couple of weeks with pretty bad side effects (insomnia and hot sweats). Effexor so far has been pretty good in terms of side effects, im on 75mg, but im not too sure how im supposed to be feeling. I havent sunk as deeply as I have in the past, but I get really frustrated all the time. I feel like im caught between wanting to lie in bed and just avoid everything and everyone in my life, but then I get really frustrated and bored with doing that. Its like im caught between wanting to get better and dropping out of the world completely. I think Ive had depression/anxiety for so long Im not actually too sure what 'happy' and 'normal' feels like. I got help because I was in such a bad place with suicidal thoughts, but I think the anxiety/depression stuff is so ingrained in me I think its just become who I am. Im sorry if im unburdening all this in the wrong area, I dont really have a lot of people I can turn to with all this stuff. The one person I can talk to Ive dumped so much stuff on them already thats its really not fair :) I guess as well its nice to share thoughts and stories with people who understand and who dont feel like they have to try and fix you. Sorry again for rambling!
laz x Hi and welcome to the DF, I hope you find it a helpful place to be. Effexor took me about 6 to 8 weeks to start really feeling differently. The intensity left about then, and enabled me to start working on what i needed to. When you have had a long term depression, it is a bit hard to get back to normal because we have been thinking negatively for awhile. It does however change enough that if you work with it, you start feeling stronger. I strongly recommend finding a therapist who does Cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps you see the reality of how you have been thinking and learning ways to challenge your current thinking. Alot of people find medication and therapy have to go hand in hand. This isnt something that came on overnight and does not go away overnight. Depression is a complicated illness with the brain chemical issues and the issues in perception. It takes time but there is so much hope. I wish you well. There is alot of support here so I hope you will stay awhile Take care Brenda
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Jun 25 2007, 11:56 AM
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Just Registered
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From: Australia
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Hi Brenda,
Thankyou so much for taking the time to reply :) Its nice to hear that it will get better, even if it doesnt look like it will sometimes :) The trouble that Im having at the moment is that my psychologist appointment isnt for another couple of weeks and Ive found it hard to cope with things in the meantime. But this has been a great place to vent and get some questions answered which is great.
Thanks again for listening!
Laz x
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Oct 28 2007, 08:45 PM
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Just Registered
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This poll is really interesting. If you're into this kind of thing, there's a free site for people taking Effexor where you can post on a graph about how much you're taking and what your results are. Over time you can see graphically how you're doing vs. others who are starting on Effexor. PM member for link.
This post has been edited by suburgatory: Oct 28 2007, 08:51 PM
Reason for edit: outside links not allowed
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 Nov 16 2007, 04:12 PM
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Newbie
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From: alberta
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QUOTE (clipper40 @ Oct 28 2007, 08:45 PM) This poll is really interesting. If you're into this kind of thing, there's a free site for people taking Effexor where you can post on a graph about how much you're taking and what your results are. Over time you can see graphically how you're doing vs. others who are starting on Effexor.
PM member for link. hello could you send me the link for the gragh...I ' m VERY INTERESTED TO SEE THE EFFECT ON DIFFERENT PERSON. THANK YOU ROSE
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Nov 26 2007, 07:18 AM
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Junior Moderator
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[edit: read the whole topic]
I took a pill two hours ago, I feel something has worked already. I read this can happen with Effexor though. I actually feel generally happy even though I am missing work. My depression has dissolved into thin air, and for now does not exist. I don't actually feel bad about anything at all, I have been so anxious about work without meds. I don't want this feeling to stop.
Also, this is the first AD I've had for four months which did not give me the crippling nerve pains I've had with two SSRI's.
This is the first good news med-wise for some time! Even if this feeling dies down, as long as works to some extent I will be very happy.
Peace,
This post has been edited by kirkwuk: Nov 26 2007, 09:04 AM
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Kirk's diary of cascading emotions 31/10 Discharged, health very good 15/09 Feeling AWESOME 03/08 Ill but keeping strong 31/05 Feeling better than I ever have 02/05 Okay 26/04 Feeling VERY stressed and anxious about new flat 12/04 Not felt this bad for some time 11/03 Major personal breakthrough, feeling as good as ever 28/02 Not good at all 08/02 Feeling as good as good can be 05/02/09 Going strong as usual 27/12 Best night for a while 25/12 Best Xmas for years  
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Dec 28 2007, 09:10 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 28-December 07
From: USA
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I know it has helped many and I do not want to discourage anyone, but it did not help my depression.
On a more positive note I did not have severe side effects from taking it or from stopping.
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Dec 31 2007, 02:39 PM
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Newbie
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QUOTE (firelizardee @ Jul 11 2004, 11:51 AM) I thought this poll might be useful for folk.
This was the results from the old site.
Question: Effexor: how long before it started to take effect :: Total Votes:73
Votes Statistics
1 month 38 [52.05%]
2 months 10 [13.70%]
3 months 5 [6.85%]
4 months 1 [1.37%]
5 months 1 [1.37%]
6 monts 2 [2.74%]
Longer 0 [0.00%]
wasn't suitable/didn't work 16 [21.92%]
As you can see it should work in 1 to 3 months. Though some find it takes longer. And approximately 1 in 5 people will find it is not suitable for them.
Remember though this is not a scientific study, so the results are only based on personal experiences of members who joined DF.
Take care and I wish you the best if taking Effexor.
Eileen i just started taking my effexor after being off of it for 2 months...i am on my second day...so i will keep you posted...pattycake
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Jan 4 2008, 02:05 AM
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Newbie
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QUOTE (depressed_guy @ Jul 24 2004, 11:08 PM) im currently on my 6th day of taking it... i dunno if it's cuz of the med, or just incidental, but im currently in a good mood... :) effexor lik all antideprresents needs 3-4 weeks to start working but was found that higher does could work sooner.its dual action it works on epinephrine and serotonin and found efective in treating depression and preventing reapse.
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Jan 4 2008, 02:28 AM
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Newbie
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From: australia
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QUOTE (firelizardee @ Jul 11 2004, 10:52 AM) Since I was the first to vote, yes it did seem to take ages for me to benefit. Although I will say that it did lift my mood in the first few months. what is the highest dose for effexor?thanks.
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Jan 4 2008, 02:30 AM
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Newbie
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From: australia
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QUOTE (Annabelle @ Jul 14 2004, 02:49 PM) For me, the Effexor began to work almost immediately. Within 72 hours I noticed a positive difference in the way I felt. It is the only A/D I've ever taken that hasn't produced any side effects annoying enough to stop taking it. :D what dose did you take?
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Jan 4 2008, 02:36 AM
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Newbie
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From: australia
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QUOTE (firelizardee @ Oct 15 2004, 09:58 AM) Effexor is not addictive, nor is any anti-depressant. Yes there can be discontinuation effects but thats because our brains have gotten used to the additional seratonin & norepinephrine that are going about. Plus the shorter the half life of the AD (like Effexor) it means that our brains are particularly sensitive to going off meds. Not everyone will get discontinuation side effects, others will get minor effects, some unfortunately may get them in a bad way. It does not mean that the drug is addictive like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine or heroin etc are (maybe I should add caffeine here as well). if effexor has shrot life isnt it better to take it upon withdrowal as 37.5 twice insted 75 once then lower it to 37.5 once? thanks
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Jan 27 2008, 05:53 AM
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Just Registered
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it took about a month for me, too.
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 Jan 27 2008, 02:51 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 16-November 07
From: alberta
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QUOTE (jenrazzle @ Jan 27 2008, 06:53 AM) it took about a month for me, too. I MUST SAY THAT TOOK ME 3 MONTH . BUT I START FEELING THE EFFECT OF EFFEXOR AFTER ONE MONTH BUT AFTER THREE MONTH, I FELT NORMAL AGAIN , EXCEPT THE ODD DAYS... I'M SO GRATEFULL BECAUSE I WAS SO DEPRESS AND I HAD A LOTS OF ANXIETY. NOW ALL MY ANXIETY IS GONE, AND JUST DEPRESS SOME DAY. DON'T BE DISCOURAGE IT WILL COME FOR YOU TOO!!! ROSE
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Mar 1 2008, 08:22 PM
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Newbie
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QUOTE (firelizardee @ Mar 1 2008, 03:20 AM) its usually 6 to 8 weeks but over 40% found it helped in up to a month.
I don't think size matters much in the doseage stakes, cos our brains are relatively the same size. Efexor works on neural transmitters and chemicals. But it doesn't all go straight to your brain, it's in your whole body, floating around in your blood and being metabolized. That's why I thought bigger people might need more for the same amount to have an effect on the brain, or you might need a higher dose if you have a higher metabolism because it won't stay in your body as long? Not trying to be argumentative, just my thoughts. What do you think?
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Jun 20 2008, 01:14 PM
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Newbie
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QUOTE (gusser @ Apr 5 2005, 12:25 AM) Hi, . I've suffered from depression and anxiety for almost 7 years. I finnally went to see my doctor about a month ago.been on effexor for a month now, it's my first time on meds. I started at 37.5 and after a week of hell I had 3 of the best days I've had since it all began. then my doc doubled my dose and I felt low again but no panic attacks like when I first started. I'm now at 112mg and feeling crappy. My doc says he thinks I'll stop at 150mg which I'll start in a couple days. I don't know If I want to increase the dose, I guess I'm worried that it will mean increased discomfort! Has anyone here had a couple of unbelievable days of high flying , and then plummeted back down to the hard ground? It's so frustrating to be taunted like that. Has this happened to anyone else? Should I just be more patient? One more thing, does it pi** anybody else off when after telling a good friend about your condition they show little reaction, almost with indifference. Wait a second, everything pi**es me off.....especially the news!  thanks This is exactly what's happening with me! I started on 37.5 and was miserable for a while until I started to improve a bit. 75 was great once I had adjusted. I'm on 112.5 now and I've felt like s*** for the last 6ish days. Only now am I starting to feel better. Doctor is putting me up to 150 in 5 days. He says we'll get to 225 and decide where to go from there.
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Jun 20 2008, 02:46 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 17-June 08
From: Toronto Ontario
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QUOTE (clipper40 @ Oct 28 2007, 08:45 PM) This poll is really interesting. If you're into this kind of thing, there's a free site for people taking Effexor where you can post on a graph about how much you're taking and what your results are. Over time you can see graphically how you're doing vs. others who are starting on Effexor.
PM member for link. Hi There, Canyou pls email the link for this.....btomasso@hotmail.com Thanks
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Jul 24 2008, 12:18 PM
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Silver Member
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QUOTE (DoubleHelix @ Mar 1 2008, 08:27 AM) Did anyone take LESS than a month to feel the effects / how long? I know this was posted back in March..... but Yes, me. This is my third time on Efexor. (Should add - in combination with Wellbutrin and Lamictal). I took 75mg for a week and then went to 150mg. Had all the usual horrible side effects in the first week, but I knew about them. On Day 10, I started to feel the difference - subtle, but it was like a shift.... like the half-empty glass first began to look half-full. I'm now at 3 weeks and every day gets better. I kept quiet at first because I was so worried it might just be temporary, but my thinking is back, my mood is ok, the feeling that I can cope and that I can make it, is back. I feel like I now have myself on my side! I think that is amazingly fast. I'm impressed! I couldn't even vote in the poll because it took less than a month. I know there are scare stories about Efexor, and that it can be a nightmare, or just plain doesn't work for some... but all I can say is, it works miraculously for me...
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Jul 28 2008, 02:56 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Member No.: 27,096
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Hello,
I've been on Venlafaxine for about 3 weeks now. It gave me tension headaches for the first week. But after that I noticed improvement in my ability to concentrate and my mood. Been improving since.
Im taking 75mg daily right now. But want to up the dose to help with anxiety in addition to my depression. Im going to ask my doc to increase my amount.
Drugs....gotta love them.
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Nov 25 2008, 10:25 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 2-November 08
Member No.: 30,321
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It has taken six long weeks but I am finally seeinf results. I am frightened to say this, don't want to jinx it, but my ruminations have ceased. I was beginning to think this was just a placebo! Anyhoo, I thought I was going crazy and I can now see light again. I can now say I am doing okay...
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Jan 30 2009, 02:45 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
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Joined: 26-January 09
Member No.: 33,127
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that happened to me also...i started taking effexor and by the 3rd day i was flying high and was the happiest i have ever been in my life for 3 days then went straight to rock bottom! i thought it was the medication working and thought flip i have my life back! but sad to say it didn't last and this "euphoric feeling is very common" how come anti depressants cannot do this all the time? life was L I F E!!!!!
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Jan 30 2009, 02:47 AM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
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lonely cavy
i have been on it for 2 weeks also and nothing yet apart from the temporary high feeling!
i am having broken sleeps and cannot breathe properly and threw up the first time i took it i also had the tension headaches which have now gone.
sitting with my fingers crossed too! glad too know someone else out there is doing the same!
all the best!
Alisha :)
This post has been edited by kiwichic: Jan 30 2009, 02:52 AM
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Feb 11 2009, 04:49 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 10-February 09
From: Australia
Member No.: 33,623
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I was prescribed Venlafaxine 18 months ago was taking it for about 5 months until i found out i was pregnant so stopped all meds, but the 5 months I was taking it I felt no change at all no side effects nothing, was taking 300mg a day and it made no difference. Have just started it again, i'm not as ill as i was the first time i used it maybe this time i wil notice if there is a difference, i guess i'm going to find out. I am worried about breastfeeding while taking it but i keep being told its fine, i'm not convinced.
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QUOTE It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it are troubled with troubles almost every minute.
You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you're lucky you're not.
Dr. Seuss |
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Mar 4 2009, 08:50 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
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Joined: 4-March 09
From: croatia
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I am taking effexor for 3 weeks( 75 mg daily) but i don"t feel any improvement. i am still very depressed and very anxious. before effexor i was taking paxil but didn"t help me much with depression. i am depressed from my 14 and i am 21 years old now.
please tell me what should i do? inreasing dose or what...?
is still early for some benefits?
This post has been edited by zeus21: Mar 4 2009, 08:50 AM
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Effexor: how long before it helped?, a poll |
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Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group > DEPRESSION & ANXIETY MEDICATIONS - LOOKING FOR ANSWERS > Effexor® (Venlafaxine) / Pristiq® (desvenlafaxine)
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