Posted by Janelle on August 15, 2001, at 22:05:04
In reply to Adjusting to Effexor - anyone want to share experi, posted by DP on August 15, 2001, at 21:25:18
GOOD FOR YOU! Pat yourself on the back. I remember feeling similarly when I took my first a-d years ago.
Yep, Effexor(XR) sure is a potent little pill, even the 37.5 mg. I did not have what you experienced, but was lightheaded, jittery, felt way over caffeinated, and my legs felt "rubbery." I knew that it can cause nausea so I took it immediately after EATING a hardy breakfast. It has also had a "numbing" effect on me, but that is actually "good" for me (I'm very high strung)
I titrated all the way to 150 mg of EffexorXR and got worse as I did, so my pdoc backed me down to 75mg/day. And then I found out on this wonderful message board that at 75 mg EffexorXR works mainly on Serotonin (which is what I happen to need), but at the higher doses it works more on Norepinephrine (which I have problems with!)
I would say to stick it out if with Effexor if you can because your initial symptoms may indeed subside. I can only speak for myself but my jitteryness, feeling over caffeinated and "rubbery" legs from EffexorXR WENT AWAY after about 3-4 weeks. The lightheadedness is also almost gone. However, I do plan to get off the stuff soon because I can tell it is not the right a-d for me. It's still too activating for my anxiety.
You are NOT a "baby" or a "whimp" but rather you did the RIGHT thing by calling your doctor because what you were feeling didn't feel right. And how wonderful that he was available and had you come in ASAP on your lunch break.
I've heard of Buspar (and have asked about it on here) - it's for helping anxiety, is mild, with few side effects.
Good luck with your adjustment to Effexor. I made it through to at least what is the dose for me (even though overall Effexor is too strong for me), so you will probably get through this initial period okay. If it intensifies and is really scary or impossible to handle, by all means call the doctor again.
Good luck and please update us on your progress.
-Janelle
poster:Janelle
thread:75227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75235.html