Help with Effexor!?

Question

I am taking Effexor since 4 days for my panic disorder. I noticed after a few hours that the panic attacks increased tremendously. Is this possible? I always thought that this drug takes weeks to work or to show side effects? Any inputs or experiences? General advice on Effexor is very welcome too. Only mature answers, please. Many thanks.

Answer 1

Many times these drugs intensify the syptoms they are suppose to help go away.You may find it doesnt help you at all and need to be placed on something else.Not all meds give desired affect to all they are prescribed to.I myself found it made me too sleepy.I have taken those category/class of meds for years and have had to switch up to find something that works for me.And sometimes things that work may no longer be of help if you develope different symptoms.Its a guessing game the Drs keep trying till they get something that appears to be right for you at that time.Good luck.

Answer 2

Effexor does take several weeks to get into your system to produce the desired affect. However, I believe one of the side effects of it could be anxiousness, and side effects don't take that long to surface. When a person is under attacks of anxiety it's so hard to figure out what the culprit is. Are you having increased attacks because you are worried about taking a new medicine and what the side effects could be? I used to have panic attacks in my early 20's and any tiny little change in anything would make me suffer. Perhaps you need something with more immediate results to get you "over the hump" so to speak. I had to take a little xanax at first just so I could sit still long enough to sort out all the things that were happening to cause the anxiety and to learn new coping skills to deal with it. If you are at a point where you're not functioning like normal I would ask your doctor for something with more immediate results. That way you can at least calm down for a while and learn how to handle this anxiety. Xanax is addictive but it's also a saving grace if you're at that point of just coming out of your skin ALL the time. Good luck to you. My prayers are with you.

Answer 3

If you're sure it's from the Effexor, you might wanna check with whoever perscribed it. I've been taking Effexor XR for about 2 years now. Depression meds can work well for one, but not the next person. I couldn't tolerate Zoloft due to side effects. The Effexor worked for me instead. I'd recommend Effexor if you can eventually work out this problem. I included a link with the possible side effects of this drug.

Answer 4

The medecation will take time to work. I've been on effexor and I did have an increase in panic attacks at first. I think in my case it was because I was upset about the situation, having to take medication and all that. Give it a couple more days, but if it isn't helping be Monday, call your doctor. It may not be the right medication for you.

Answer 5

I WOULD STOP TAKING IT!!!
yes, it's true, medications that take up to a month, can show side effects within 2-4 days.

This is not good.
this is a side effect.
Call your Doctor and leave a voice message.
I would STOP THE MEDS RIGHT AWAY!
YOU HAVE ONLY BEEN ON THEM 4 DAYS.

Zoloft is good for Panic
Xanax is Excellent for Panic!

every BODY is different.
The doctors perscribe medications, and they don't know how your body will react until you take the medication.

that's why it says, stop medication or call doctor asap if you have problems worsen or side effects.

I hope you stop this medication,
drink some warm milk, put on your comfy pj's.
Wear a scent that calms you down.

you can IM me if you need someone to chat with till you calm down!

Answer 6

Give this medication time to work and do it's thing,,takes like 3 weeks to totally be in your system,,,it's to soon to blame these side effects on this new treatment,,as the pill hasn't fully emerged into your system,,My girlfriend uses this for depression and I'm sure she did not really like taking this drug as it made her feel funny,,but everyone is different,,give this med time to work..If in a month you think it's not for you then tell your doctor to try you on something else like wellbutrin,,,,different med for some symptoms,,good luck and give it another 3 weeks k.

Answer 7

My wife took Effexor for over six years. It cause her high blood pressure and heart problems. She had to stop. She had no idea that the withdrawal syndrome was so severe. On the fourth week she's getting better, but is not fully functional yet-she has missed at least four weeks of work. Whether for lack of information or out of neglect no one had told her how addictive this substance is. She was not prepared for what she has been going through. I included some URLs to websites containing information on this topic, by health professionals, patients who withdrew or are withdrawing, from the manufacturers of Effexor, and a petition. I hope you find what is truly best for you.

http://www.crazymeds.org/effexor.html

http://www.answers.com/topic/ssri-discontinuation-syndrome (especially section on Discontinuation of Venlafaxine)

http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/effexor.pl?noframes;read=5656

http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/effexor.pl?noframes;read=618

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070126140012AAQKig6

http://counsellingresource.com/medications/drug-pages/venlafaxine.html

http://www.pandamedicine.com/forum/p881.html

http://grahamsblog.typepad.com/grahamsblog/2007/01/brain_shivers_e.html

http://www.join-the-fun.com/effexor-withdrawal.html

http://www.healthyplace.com/medications/venlafaxine.asp (Info. from the manufacturers: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.)

http://www.remedyfind.com/newsletters/D12182002NL.HTM

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-37486.html

http://www.drugs.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14858

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/mental-health/78800-effexor-wellbutrin.html

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/focussober/vpost?id=1650406 (Slightly modified new form of Effexor-Pristiq)

http://www.athenadreaming.org/Beanie/archives/2005/07/suicide_selfish.html

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/1663/18

http://kvetch.indiebride.com/index.php?t=msg&goto=677677&rid=0&S=cdf6820fc8551574539d004e6f1209f6#msg_677677

http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?query=All+about+Effexor%27s+withdrawal+syndrome&page=5&nt=SG2&userid=-6501892838179739862&invocationType=wscreen-searchboxhtml&clickstreamid=5658523012963357718

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/focussober/vpost?id=844302 (Advice on withdrawing by Dr. Ann Blake)

http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/ (Petition to manufacturers)

Answer 8

When you are speaking of drugs of that sort you should really speak to your Doctor as you may get the wrong answer on hear unless you strike it lucky with someone who has or had the same symptoms but really do you want to place your health on luck>?

Answer 9

Does the same to me. I can't take it at all. Landed me in the nut house last time. Tell your doc to try xanax.

Answer 10

If you are having a consistent reaction every time you've taken it I would call your doctor immediately to report it.