Anyone using Effexor XR for depression/anxiety?

terrij152

My psychiatrist put me on Effexor XR for anxiety, depression and to help with the hot flashes. We got to 112.5 mg and then tried 150 mg. Well on 150 mg my blood pressure went up and I didn't feel well. I went back to 112.5 mg and my bp is fine now. I don't feel that my anxiety & depression are managed at this dose. She suggested going up to 150 mg and increasing my blood pressure meds. I don't think that is the answer & I don't want to take more meds than I have to.

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

farmerlucy

Hi terrij - just saw this post. Bumping it. I'm on 75 mg so no help except to mention a commercial I saw that mentions an additional med added on to the antidepressant. I'll post the name when I see it. Take care!

gerrib

I have been on Effexor 75mg for about 4 years.. I think you need to give these meds at least 6 weeks to see the effect. I am on it for depression. It seems to work. I was on Prozac before that which also worked but I couldn't take it with Tamoxifen so went on Effexor. You probably should note that lots of people have withdrawals trying to get off Effexor after they have been on it a long time. I have come to the realisation that I need to be on anti-depressants long term and intend to stay on Effexor for the foreseeable future so am not worried about coming off it. 75 mg seems to be the normal dose for hot flushes and I find that dose keeps my mood fairly stable.

Good luck

jensgotthis

I started Effexor about 2 months ago after being diagnosed stage IV and am at 37.5. I think it's helping with my anxiety. It's my first experience on an anti depressant. I'm glad I started it, especially when I heard that tamoxifen can cause great anxiety and depression. Since I'll Be on that for years, I thought it made sense to take the plunge. Happily the headaches and diahrea have subsided now

farmerlucy

Terri - it is called Rexulti.

wintersocks

I have been on this drug since 2009, I tried to come off it as I have a low WBC that my GP thinks is caused by the drug. I was in a complete state, very low mood, so I am now back on it (as my WBC improved whilst off it) and I will have another blood test to see if the wbc has gone down again. If it does my GP is going to speak with a psyche about what next..... I have had depression with anxiety pre-bc.

mustlovepoodles

Is there another drug that will work for you? I have been on Remeron for a few years, but after having a ttraumatic experience with my BMX I was diagnosed with PTSD. My doctor has put me on Lexapro for awhile to help me deal with it all.

katykids

I was on it for headaches prior to all of this and coming off it was very difficult. I am having some pain post BMX and it was suggested to deal with that pain but I won't go back on it for the withdrawal syndrome if I were to go off. If you do go off of it, I read about a prozac bridge. My doctor was away during the worst of my issues. Best of luck! xo