Having to go back on Effexor XR ?

I went through this too. When I stopped Effexor after 4 years the depression returned after 6 months, and I had to go back onto it. I found it really helped with depression and anxiety.

It is like starting again, as you say. First on the low doses, and then up to 150mg after a few weeks. It will take 6-8 weeks to really show any benefit, perhaps a bit less, but you are starting it again afresh. You will know from last time how long it took to make you feel better. It will be the same this time. It will make no difference that you took it before.

I am in a similar situation as you. I started retaking Effexor XR after about 3 months off. My depression and anxiety returned when off. This is the second time. I don't think I will ever do that again. I was just feeling pretty good so thought I would try. I have been on 37.5 mg for 6 days and will be ramping up to 225 mg. I have seen a small benefit so far, which is encouraging. Seems to be a common theme everywhere I look for testimonials that it take 4-6 weeks. The last time I restarted, it took that long too. Still, it is encouraging to hear from others that there is hope when in this state of mind. Hang in there, it will get better with time. Please update on how you are doing.

Yes I did this. I stopped Effexor but depression returned within six months. I went back on it again. I had been taking it for five years.

I started at 75mg again increasing to 150mg which I had been on previously. It will take as long as it did the first time to feel any benefit, usually about 6 weeks, although you may feel some improvement before than, hopefully. Taking it before won't make any difference. It will be like taking in afresh.

Yes patrizia dior That is the hard thing about the ones like effexor i have been on and off many times in the last 15 years now i just don''t even think about it but it always comes back and bites me,,, One good thing many people do get small starting benifits nothing huge but enough to get you remembering this is how life can be... But you still have the same process of it building up your blood level again which being off its like starting again so it can be a full 4 to 8 weeks to reach the full blood level but it well and be so worth it.

You'll need a good 2-3 weeks to start to get back on track, possibly 4-6, it's a gradual process and yes I do believe it will work for you, possibly better than before, not worse. Be sure to stick tight to the Dr instruction, best success is there, along with giving it time.

Its going to take as long. While you were tapering it your blood level has dropped.