My dr recently increased my dose of Effexor XR from 150mgs to 225mgs. I have been on the 225 for about two weeks, right at the two week mark my anxiety seems to have gotten worse. Does anyone know if this is normal? I'm wondering how long I should give it before I decide to go back to 150. I was do ok at 150 but still had some lingering anxiety but I find it odd that it has increased after upping my dose two weeks ago.
Thanks for you help!
Increased dose of effexor from 150mgs to 225mgs, increased anxiety after two weeks?
Question posted by Vanilla27 on 25 May 2016
Last updated on 17 November 2016
5 Answers
Gracie55
6 June 2016
This happened to me too. But if you look up this drug on this site and look under dosage it will say that your blood levels of the drug and it's metabolites are steady after 4 days. For me, I was able to go back to the lower dose and have had less anxiety. However, they did give me an anti anxiety drug that you only take when needed and this has worked for me. I also found that caffeine and sugar can trigger an anxiety attack for me so I try to keep those at a minimum. Good luck, I hate anxiety attacks, they are the worst.
Vanilla27
6 June 2016
Wow, that's interesting. I'm three days shy of taking the 225 for 4 weeks. I figure I'll see how this week goes and if things don't improve I will go back to the 150. My doc gave me valium for attacks but I do my best to avoid taking it. Thanks so much for your input!
Vanilla27
7 June 2016
When you went back to a lower dose, did you anxiety get worse before it got better? I'm thinking about going back on 150. I'm a couple days shy of four weeks and have not noticed any positive difference on the 225. My stomach seems to get upset every now and then on the 225 and I didn't get that on the 150. Thanks!
Vanilla27
7 June 2016
I'm worried I will get withdrawal symptoms if I go back to 150 even though I've only been on 225 for a month, thoughts?
Gracie55
8 June 2016
When I went back down in dose my anxiety went down. I did not experience any "worse before better" type of symptoms. BUT they changed me from regular effexor to time release (XR) and I believe, for me, the time release was much better than the regular.
Juju73
3 June 2016
Hi vanilla27
Do you have a numb feeling in your head?
when did you start venlafaxine?
Vanilla27
3 June 2016
No, not at all. I started on 150mgs 1.5 months ago and I increased to 225mgs about 4 weeks ago.
Juju73
5 June 2016
Hi vanilla27
When did your interests come back?
Vanilla27
6 June 2016
I'm taking Effexor for anxiety and panic attacks. I started to feel somewhat normal around the 4 week mark.
JOJORICHARDS2006
17 Nov 2016
I have been on effexor 225mg a day and I have had an empty wierd feeling in my head. I have ringing in my right ear! So annoying. Seeing new doctor in a few weeks. I need Xanax to relieve my anxiety and bad tension.
Mumof2
28 May 2016
Hi Vanilla just wondering if your anxiety is easing any ? I'm still finding mine quite troublesome but this weekend has been a bit easier..so keeping my fingers crossed as this is me into week 5 of increase from 225mg to 300mg
Vanilla27
28 May 2016
Not yet. I'm still pretty anxious but I seem to be better on the weekends when I'm not at work. I'll see how it goes next week. I'm hoping things get better soon I'm at 2.5 week mark of my increased dose. If things don't get better by the end of next week I might call my dr. I hope you are doing better!!
Mumof2
28 May 2016
It helps to know we're not alone. It's scary sometimes these side effects... Keep in touch and let me know how you get on. Take care
Vanilla27
30 May 2016
Yes, it is good to know you're not alone! Hang in there! I'll keep you posted. :)
Vanilla27
2 June 2016
Hey, how have you been doing? I'm a little over week three on my dose increase and am still noticing anxiety. I did pretty well the past two days but then I had some trouble yesterday. I'm still not sure I'm any better on the 225 than the 150. I'm going to hang in there and hope it gets better. When I started on the 150 I didn't start feeling better until the 4 week mark. Maybe it just takes time.
Mumof2
2 June 2016
Hey Vanilla... hang on in there my mood has lifted a bit I still have anxiety but maybe not quite as bad as before..I'm not sure I will ever be totally free of it. Another 3-4 weeks before I see psych again about my prescription as I have been using diazepam to help on real bad days. You take care and I hope you see some results soon..I was def week 4-5 xx
Mumof2
25 May 2016
Hi Vanilla
I have recently been increased from 225mg to 300mg and am suffering with increased anxiety after 4weeks and that is one of my main symptoms that should be being helped..along with depression. I have increased feelings of panic too so I totally sympathise X
WildcatVet
25 May 2016
Hi, Vanilla! Yes, it's *normal* to experience some increased anxiety, even other side effects, when starting a medication or increasing your dosage. It's a function of adjusting to the new dose not some strange adverse reaction.
I'd give it another week or two to see if you adjust well, but if not then it's time to speak with your prescribing physician for his/her advice.
Best wishes and good luck!
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effexor, effexor xr, anxiety, dosage
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