I have never suffered from anything like this before and this is my first time on meds. When will they start working to rid me of this anxiety? I asked a friend who is on the same dose and he said it was about 4 weeks for him. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
I was put on venlafaxine 75mg 20 days ago. I am desperate for them to work as my anxiety is so bad.
Question posted by Angiesuggs on 31 Oct 2021
Last updated on 4 November 2021
Answers
Inactive
4 Nov 2021
Hi Angie Back in 2002 I was put on venlafaxine XR for depression, anxiety. and stress . The doctor started me out on 37.5mg and increased to 75mg after two weeks. The medication leveled off about week 5 , and stayed on it for 3 years. Reason I stopped I returned to work owning my own small remodeling company and feel with doctor it was good to come off. This medication helped me thru some tough times . WildcatVet gives good advice . Do not dwell on the issues you have and like WildcatVet says read a book , go for a walk , do things to offset your troubles . I also did 5 weeks of counseling with a therapist in afternoon hours because of work. You will get thru this and give medication a chance sometimes it takes it little longer. Good Luck you will be okay.
Angiesuggs
4 Nov 2021
Hi Trademan
Thank you so much for your reply. I am just 3 and half weeks on 75mg and feeling a lot better. Not free of anxiety or depression but it is getting better. I am probably thinking it is starting to work with my body now. Thank you for telling me your story xx
WildcatVet
31 Oct 2021
Hi, Angie!
Many people begin to feel subtle improvements in the first few weeks but it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to feel the full benefits of this medication.
If you're still experiencing severe anxiety let your doctor know. Sometimes an ultra short course of a mild sedative will help get you through the worst of it until your metabolism stabilizes.
Try to stay positive and look for the improvement rather than dwelling on negatives. Distract your mind by doing enjoyable things... taking walks, reading a good book, watching a favorite movie... anything that you enjoy doing.
Don't worry so much as this is an excellent choice of medication and you really should begin feeling better very soon now.
Best regards,
Wildcat
Angiesuggs
31 Oct 2021
Thank you Wildcat I really appreciate your response. Thank you for confirming that this is a good medication. I was worried about taking it due to some reviews but as they say people always like to write about bad experiences and the good ones have probably moved on With their lives. I hope I have only a few more days to wait before I get some good benefit xx
WildcatVet
31 Oct 2021
Every person's response to a medication may be different from another's but you're right about almost always hearing about the bad experiences are rarely about the success stories.
So just for the record, I took venlafaxine for about 7 years and it was a true game changer for me.
I hope it will be for you too.
"Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks."
WC
Angiesuggs
31 Oct 2021
What dose were you on and judging by your response it must have worked very well.
I just want to get better and be me again.
WildcatVet
31 Oct 2021
I was maxed out at 225mg/day because I'm very resistant to medications and usually need doses that are quite above the "standard" dose.
Everyone will respond differently so you may find that 75mg works for you but if you need to eventually you have plenty of wiggle room for an increase.
For now let's just get through this initial period and see how things go.
WC
Angiesuggs
1 Nov 2021
What happened then? Did you have to come off and go on something else? Did you have anxiety and depression? Xx
Angiesuggs
1 Nov 2021
What are your views on Mirtazapine? My friend is on 45mg and takes with 75mg of Venlafaxine.
WildcatVet
1 Nov 2021
I was treated for TRD (treatment resistant depression) and associated anxiety disorders. My venlafaxine stopped working, "pooped out", which often happens with long term use. At about the same time I was diagnosed with Bipolar ll and so could no longer take the standard antidepressants because they can trigger manic episodes in some people.
Venlafaxine is in the class of SNRI antidepressants and mirtazapine is a different class of tetracyclics. It's sometimes prescribed along with another antidepressant to help treat MDD (major depressive disorder) and as a sleep aid because one of it's side effects can cause drowsiness and mild sedation which can also help control anxiety symptoms.
Take care!
WC
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