Hi I've been taking Effexor rx for two weeks now. 75Mg the first week and then 150mg the second. Almost immediately I noticed a increase in energy. The last year or so I have felt completely exhausted on a daily basis, no matter how much sleep I got. I've tried a lot of antidepressants but always resulted in tons of intolerable side effects with little to no improvement in depression and anxiety. Now at week two, I feel a big difference all around in my depression, anxiety, and energy. I'm not exactly where I want to be but for the first time ever, I feel extremely positive and hopeful that I will be able to live a normal life. I'm aware of the extreme withdrawals that come from discontinuing effexor, but I am a person that will have to be on meds for the rest of my life to be a functional person. I was first diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety disorder in 3rd grade, I didn't begin treatment until my freshman year of high school. These disorders have controlled my entire life for as long as I can remember. So to me the little bit of relief I have felt in just two weeks gives me hope and makes it worth it. My main question is, did anyone else experience a increase in energy that soon as well as an over all feeling of wellness? Will the energy stay or fade away? I'm very certain this feeling of wellness is not a placebo effect. Anyone here with a similar experience?? Please no horror stories either, for once I feel confident in a med. I would like to keep a positive attitude and stay headed in the right direction. Thank you!!
Did anyone have an increase in energy soon after starting Effexor? Will this energy stay or fade aw?
Question posted by KassidyYdissak on 20 Nov 2015
Last updated on 7 August 2020 by becca2020
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7 Answers
hi Kassidy..i have been on Effexor 37.5 mg for 3 days now and i cant believe how much energy i have had..and i have lost 3 lbs. as well..Now when i wake up i am rested and ready to start the day, i did more this morning than i have in a month..i feel like life is worth living again..at day 7 i go up to 75 mg ,this drug has made me feel wonderful and i guess i didn't realize how depressed i was to begin with, all i did was sleep and had no interest in doing daily things.. this is a game changer for me, i am glad you are doing great as well..chin up !
Kassidy: I just recently got moved up to the next dose of my effexor at 150 mg. I have only been taking it for 3 days now and I have noticed an increase in energy to the point that I feel like I can't stop moving or keeping myself occupied. I have noticed things have gotten much easier on the physical side of my depression as I was majorly depressed and couldn't even get out of bed some days. On the mental side of things it has also been helping me to become cheerful. All I can say is keep your head up, and if you truly believe and feel it is helping you, then it really is. I cannot answer if it will stay this way because I myself am in the very early stages, but I do that this medication has helped me a significant amount. I currently hold two jobs and am raising a family. I am hoping it stays this way, just a jump up from 75 to the 150mg was enough to give me a lot of energy.
I am not sure when you take the medication, but I have read a lot of reviews that have said taking it 2 or so hours before you sleep can help you get good sleep, but it is all on a personal basis. Good Luck Kassidy!!! CH
What is this about horrible side effects from withdrawal?
Im not sure for everyone but i just feel a slight fog absolutely no energy and just want to sleep all day.
Kassidy, I have been on Effexor 150mg for over a year now. I loooooove it and will never be without it! It is one amazing pill for me! I needed something but did not want all the side affects that come with so many other prescriptions. I did also have more energy at first. I don't think that's in your head because it too was my experience. I felt sooo much better within 3 days of starting on it! Now, I wish I still was seeing that extra energy but I think Ive just gotton used to it by now! On the other hand, I once forgot to refill my Rx on time... ya will NOT ever let that happen again! Im very happy with it and hope all remains well for you!
Kassidy; I agree if anything it should get better this medication takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to get your full blood level and always the worst is the start of it and it is great you are not having any problems.a lot is in your thinking too. We without a dought need the medications and sometimes it takes a while to find the one but sounds like you have finally gotten there I have been on Effexor for over 10 years and could not even function without it. Keep at it and glad you are finally feeling so much better keep at it.
Kass, I admire your spunk and determination in taking control of your life and you sound just like a lil mini me. It took 30yrs of trying but I got my diagnosis, the appropriate meds, and now I'm happy, functioning and a very energetic person.
Yes, the energy should stay ~ it's the way you should have felt all along.
Hope all goes well for you! Check in and let us know how you're doing, okay>
Good luck to you! WCV
While your body may continue to adjust to this medication you should notice continued relief if not even better over the next few weeks. Glad it is working for you!!
Related topics
effexor, depression, postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, energy
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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