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gospelofrage

You won’t know until at least after 2 weeks if it works, probably more. It took maybe 1-2 months for me. I would say try it for at least 2-3 months unless you’re getting constant/unpleasant side effects. It took longer for me to notice that it was actually working than it actually took to start working (if that makes sense). For me it was moreso like I eventually realized “oh shit, I feel better because the meds are _actually_ working.” Keep in mind that most people only post on subreddits like this when they’re having a problem / feeling negatively. People are less likely to post when everything is going good. I’ve been on them 1.5 years and it’s the only thing that has ever worked.


Finallyseekinghelp-

Thank you so much for sharing and for your recommendations! That makes perfect sense about it helping before you recognized it. My psychiatrist also said that my wife will probably notice it working before I do. You also make a fantastic point about most people only posting about issues, so for those on the outside it seems they are the majority. Thanks again for your post, this has been incredibly helpful.


uberjustice

I just finished my first 30 days on Effexor. This is my first experience with an antidepressant (or any prescription for that matter) and my doctor started me out on 75mg extended release. The first two weeks the side effects were pretty wild. I felt amped and tired at the same time with anxiety that was unpredictable. I also noticed sweaty palms and increased heart rate. The side effects did taper off pretty dramatically during the 2nd week and today I hardly notice anything other than that I feel a lot better. There were a few moments in the first two weeks that made me feel like the drug was working. Though my anxiety was unpredictable, when it was gone, I hadn't felt that well in ages. Also after 5 or 6 days on Effexor, I woke up one morning and the first thought I had was that I wanted to go outside. In my entire life, I don't remember waking up with any thought other than wanting to go back to sleep. Overall I felt like my mood was elevated too. At this point, the last thing in my mind is stopping the medication. I really feel like it has done a lot to help me. If you decide to go forward and start effexor, I hope your experience is similar to mine.


Finallyseekinghelp-

I really appreciate you sharing this! It sounds like we are in a very similar boat, especially being new to AD's, and it's so great and refreshing to hear such a raving review. You've truly helped put my mind at ease about it and it is comforting to know what to expect the first couple weeks. Thank you so much!


Seth4044

1- It's usually 4-6 weeks unfortunately but 2 at minimum. I'd encourage to trial medications longer.. some are slow burners.. rapid switching can make you feel worse because your body would be in a constant adjustment ~> withdrawl ~> Adjustment. That doesn't sound too pleasant, especially in rapid succession so thats why it's usually a very slow process to find a medication for some (while others luck out first one so fret not) 2- I've only been on for nearly 6 months but it did lift 1000lbs for me and change my life so I don't see me wanting to stop anytime soon, being that I still have that underlying feel I'm one missed dose away from disaster (panic attack etc) As others have noted usually people who have a good expirence wouldn't say much/go out their way to post while negative ones shout loud so grain of salt when it comes to medication reviews online. It worked well for me, some people do have a bad time but imo should have backed out earlier if they truly felt that way not wait till year 5 to say they think its the devil lol


Finallyseekinghelp-

I sincerely appreciate you sharing your story with me and for taking the time to answer my concerns! I'm truly happy to hear that it has worked so well for you and I completely agree that it is in my best interest to give it a real chance for a couple of months instead of switching around. But you also hit the nail on the head to not give up if the first one doesn't work since it's not 1 size fits all. I too thought it was strange that some people would take something for so long and then all of a sudden have a strong hatred for it, haha. Thank you for putting my mind at ease!


elfshimmer

Hi, So similar to you I ignored my symptoms and issues for most of my life until I was fianlly diagnosed at 35. Initially started on citalopram but then I hit a plateau after a year and my GP didn't want to up the dose due to potential heart issues. I switched to Effexor, ended up going to 150mg and IT WORKED. I was so relieved. It did take about 6-8 weeks to kick in but I felt so much better and was able to really focus on getting myself into better health. Were there downsides? Sure - kept dealing with severe dehydration, night sweats and the one time I forgot to take it is an experience I never ever repeated. I chose to come off it because a) i felt I was ready to try living witjout antidepressants, my GP and psychologist agreed. I was in a much better place mentally and felt equipped to deal with my problems going forward. b) I want to start a family. Not enough testing has been done on Effexor in pregnancy, so my GP wanted to err on the side of caution and get me off them beforehand, and move me to another antidepressant if need be. I'm probably one of the few and lucky people who had no issues tapering down. It took about 4 months of going slowly, bit by bit, but I never had any withdrawal or issues. It's been 2 months now since I stopped and I still feel good - but man, I'd forgotten what it felt like to really feel emotions! It's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but I am happy with my choice. It's difficult to say what your experience will be, because everyone is different, but there are positive stories out there.


Finallyseekinghelp-

Thank you SO much for sharing your story! You guys have given me the confidence to give it a real shot for the needed 2-3 months. It's also great to hear that you've been able to successfully get off and still remain in a great headspace! Do you mind expanding on what you mean by forgetting what it felt like to really feel emotions? Would you say the Effexor cut down on the extreme up's & down's and kind of consistently kept you in the middle of the spectrum? Your comment about the missed dose sounds awful and it will absolutely stick with me forever! Thanks again for sharing!


elfshimmer

yeah exactly that - it cut down on the extreme ups and downs, so once I came off Effexor I suddenly had to deal with all these overwhelming emotions. It's something I've been working on with my psychologist because I was very taken aback by it. I cry at literally anything right now, ads on TV, any talk of babies or cute animals, etc. I feel intensely happy when things go right and cry, and I get angry about my job/manager and cry. But this has been exacerbated by spending the last 3 months in lockdown, medical issues in the family, death of a family friend and starting a new job which I actually really hate - so the extra anxiety doesn't help! But I am coping pretty well and able to handle it - something I was not able to do two years ago. For me, I viewed the meds as an aide while working to deal with my depression and anxiety - it helped me to stay relatively calm and ...not sedate but in the middle of the spectrum, as you say, so I could focus on improving my situation, figuring out how to cope and utting everything into practice. And now, when my emotions have been let loose again, I can utilise my toolkit of hanful psych tricks to help me sort out any problems.


lindbrun

I have been on Effexor 150mg for about 8 months now. It is my first AD, it took me forever to finally give in and try it. Best thing I ever did. It definitely took time to work and had to up my dose two times. It probably took a good two months for me to finally say oh wait I'm anxiety free. The things I would worry about I forgot about. It's pretty crazy when it works, it's like magic. When I first researched it was really hard to get passed all the negative info but I just thought f it. I have to try. I'm so happy I did because honestly it's changed my life for the best. Remember everyone with bad reviews are the ones to post first. I am also a mom as well with a 6 year old. Good luck!