Hi. I was diagnosed with GAD and severe clinical depression after a situation last year resulted in me... breaking. PTSD-style. For awhile, I didn't realize it for what it was. I went to my dr. who started me on Ativan and a low dose (5mg) of Lexapro. Which quickly had to be bumped to 10. Then 15. Then 20. And the Ativan changed to Xanax, which, actually helps. A lot. The Lexapro, however, seemed to not be able to keep up, so my dr. just switched me over to Effexor Xr (75mg.) I'm 5 days in, and I really don't feel much of a difference. I'm still depressed. The anxiety isn't as bad, but's been replaced with a sharpness and irritability that quickly rockets into meanness. I still have really negative thoughts. I feel like my face doesn't remember how to smile. It's still hard to me to get out of bed every day. I've lost pretty much all of my friends, and my significant other loves me, but is becoming impatient and frustrated. I'm frustrated and impatient with myself, even though yes, I know. It's a chemical imbalance, and I can't help it, and I can rationalize all I want, but it doesn't mean my body or mind will accept that rationalization as fact. I don't know. I feel like I don't know anything anymore.
How long does it take for Effexor XR to work?
Question posted by amysomething on 20 July 2016
Last updated on 21 July 2016
Answers
Hi, amy! Unfortunately, psychotropic drugs do not begin to work all that quickly. Some people do report feeling better in the first week or two but for most three to four weeks is more the norm.
The side effects you're describing are more apt to resolve within just a few days to a week or two so try to be patient and hold it together.
I took Effexor for over four years and found it to be highly effective. I hope you have the same outcome. My best to you,
Thank you for your response! I know it takes awhile to build up - Lexapro was like that, but I know that Effexor has a shorter half life and I didn't know if that affected its effectiveness, or if it would work faster as I was previously on an SSRI. I'm just hoping it works. It's hard to even talk about. Or find people that understand. There's such a stigma surrounding "mental illnesses," or conversely, it's an idea thrown around so often it's become a pseudo-joke. Again, thanks. I really appreciate you taking the time.
Remember... we understand!
Related topics
effexor, effexor xr, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, diagnosis
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