Wondering if anyone experienced increased anxiety in the first two to three weeks of taking Effexor?
Effexor XR and anxiety increase in first two weeks?
Question posted by Rofer on 11 Sep 2023
Last updated on 10 September 2023
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Answers
Hi, Rofer!
About 11% of Effexor (venlafaxine) users experience this very common but temporary side effect. In fact, this applies to most, if not all. antidepressant/anxiolytic medications.
"Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 24%), nervousness (up to 21.3%) ANXIETY (up to 11.2%)"
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Starting this type of medication can be a little rough as your metabolism adjusts to the drug so try to stay positive and carry on. If your anxiety symptoms are severe let your doctor know... a decrease in dosage my help or an ultra short course of another medication can be prescribed to get you through.
Thanks Wildcat,
I’m on 75 mg, so not a high dose. My doctor prescribed Valium until Effexor starts working.
Related topics
effexor, effexor xr, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
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