Agoraphobia Support Group

Hi there

I took zoloft for about 8 years and went off it cold turkey (stupid I know) last september. I thought it was not working but little did I know how badly I would feel off it. I am a complete mess and getting worse. Doctor has prescribed low dose effexor xr (75mg) and I know I need some medication and it does work for me generally but I am terrified of starting it. I have heard so many horror stories about it. My doctor is convinced it will be the right med for me. Has anyone had any positive experiences with it or any advice on how to get over this initial anxiety with taking it? Thank you so much

I was on it for a while. It did nothing positive or negative for me so we tried other options afterward. Meds effect people so differently.

When I start something new I am always nervous but I just tell myself that this has the possibility to help me out. And I won't let myself miss an opportunity for a higher quality of life.

I had a really, really terrible time coming off of that medication. Worst medication I've ever been on. Also, when I was on it if I forgot to take it one day I would have terrible withdrawal symptoms. Just from one day of missing it!

I'm just wondering if you were on zoloft and that (in hindsight) worked, why not go back on it?

Doctor believes the zoloft was not working and I think she was right. It had definitely worn off and I was coasting on it. We tried upping the dosage and that seemed to have no real effect either. I have tried asking doc for different meds rather than effexor but she is insistent. Maybe I should just give it a try and see what happens with how badly I feel I have nothing to lose I suppose. Thanks for the feedback guys

I was on Effexor for many years and the only side effect I had was being thirsty and when I did skip a dose I did get a bit of the trembles and nervousness and going off of it wasn't really that bad. I did have some effects mostly just being very edgy and nervous and had some tingles throughout my body but I did wean myself off slowly and I was up to 225 MG daily which is a very high dose. It does work but like most medications after being on it for years it stopped working for me.

I wish you a lot of luck with the Effexor.

I was on it for a couple years. It was a small dose as well. Twice a day. Anyhow, I was scared to take it like you because of the stories I read online. I didn't have any bad affects at all. I didn't have any good ones either though. It wasn't for me, BUT....They put me on it because there was a man in my Town who went on it and barley went anywhere and he is doing everything now. It was his miracle med!!! And also, I had barley any withdrawel at all when I went off it.

Personally, I would give it a go....What can you lose?

Thank you for the responses. I am going to try and be brave and start taking them. Will keep you updated

Jacintajay, I thought it important to add some more info to effexor. This is a type of medication that takes time to build up to work effectively. The results will work very slowly.

Hi i don't know if your med is the same as Venalfaxine that I am going to go on shortly. I think effexor is another name for venalfaxine but I could be wrong.

I just wanted to say I spoke to someone on another support group about venalfaxine and the lady said her friend is on it and it is helping her. I guess we are all different.

Like my gp says if it doesn't work we can try something else.

Try not to get to nervous about the side effects. You can come off it if its not for you. It can take a while sometimes to find the right med for you so I have heard.

keep us posted on how you get on with it

Riz

Venalfaxine and Effexor are the same medications.