Positive Experiences with Effexor

As far as I’m concerned, I’ll stick with it til I die (I’m 65)....IF IT WORKS.... why get off ?

I’m new here. Could someone please post a positive review about Effexor? I need it right now. Thanks.

Hi @doorman, you may have noticed I moved your post to your original discussion on Effexor so that all your posts would be in one place. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I'd like to tag @secretwhitepop and especially @grandmar who have mentioned before some positive effects of effexor.

What has your doctor's guidance been with this drug so far?

Hi!
First let me say that I haven't been on line for a long time so I really don't know your story.
When I saw my name mentioned, I thought I would jump on.

I've been on Effexor or more years than I can count.
When I began, I did very well with it.
I did so well, that my PCP suggested I come off.
Sadly, the schedule she gave me was not a good one and I had a horrible time.
I tried to get right back to it, but it was not working.
My then therapist suggested I see a psychiatrist to manage my meds.
I did.
I was told that once you come off, it takes about 6-9 months before you can go back on.
While I waited, I tried a few other meds for my anxiety, but nothing helped like the Effexor.
When the suggested time passed, I went back on.
I will admit, that it never worked as well as it did the first time, but it is still the best FOR ME!

Over the last few years, my dosage kept creeping up.
I did notice my memory going, gaining weight and being very sensitive.
However, after joining the Effexor group, I decided it was time for me to reduce my dosage to level I thought was more acceptable to ME!
My psychiatrist left the practice so I thought it would be a good time to try.

I was at 2-75 mg in the morning and evening (for a total of 300mg).
Last November I began the reduction.
I did is VERY, VERY SLOWLY.
Over the period of several months, I reduced my evening dosage in half (to 1-75mg tablet).
I felt the difference very quickly.
I felt like a cloud was lifted off my head.

I decided to wait to continue my reduction due to many reasons.
My goal, for now, is to reduce my morning dosage in the same way as I did my evening.
I want to get to 75 mg in the morning.
I will remain there for several months as I did the evening dosage and then decide what to do, based on how I feel.

I will admit that when I know I am going to face a very tense situation, like the 2 spinal surgeries I had, I will take another medication, along with the Effexor to keep me calm and balanced.
Thank goodness, I don't have surgeries that often.

Best of luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Thanks for the response. What I don’t get is that if it’s working well, why get off it at all? Why not stay on it indefinitely?

No guidance. Just put me on 75mg. This was done when I was hospitalized 3weeks ago. I’m searching now for a Dr.

@doorman

Many people do not like the fact that we develop an 'addiction' (of sorts) to this particular drug.
Some people 'feel' different if they miss even one dose, I don't.
Some people are also frightened of the possible 'horrible' withdrawal when coming off Effexor (for whatever the reason).
In addition, there are some who feel that they DO NOT have a positive reaction to the drug.
The side effects bother them.
It does take the body time to 'get used' to Effexor.
During this time, you can get headaches, become very tired a lot of the time and feeling bloated.
There are other side effects, but they should ease in time.
Some women were put on Effexor to help them through menopause and they don't want to remain on the drug.
There are others who do not like the idea of the chemical changes to the brain.

As for me, I agree with you. If the Effexor works, why go off?
The drug works very well for me to keep my anxiety under wraps (except possibly under strenuous situations).
As I mentioned, I have no intention of coming off Effexor. I just want to take a dosage that keeps my anxiety under control and does not impact the way my head feels (like my brain is fuzzy). I
frankly do not know what I would be going through if I was not on the drug.
I do see myself being on it for the rest of my life.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Thanks for responding. I’ve only been on it three weeks. My anxiety is still horrible.. did you have this problem when you first started? I was told it may take 6 weeks before it begins to work. Is this true? I’m hoping it will work..

@doorman
I honestly cannot remember just how long it took for the Effexor to work.
I do remember having a dull headache for some time and being very tired.
I know that it can take up to a couple months for it to work.
Also, it can take a while to find the right dosage.
Are you taking the regular or extended release Effexor?
That can also have an impact.
Bottom line is that everyone responds differently at different times.

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Extended release. One pill a day lasts 24hrs. I hope it kicks in soon! Thanks for your info.