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Is it normal to not feel any difference after being on anti-depressants (effexor) for 3 weeks? I really want it to work so badly! :(
I was on that and it took about a month to 6 weeks to work for me, make sure when it does start working that u don't abuse it. After awhile it started making me feel like I was high all the time so I was weaned off and now I'm not on anything, I don't need it anymore. My situation improved so I hope yours does too!!
Give it a few more weeks
I'm assuming your taking an ssri such as fluoxetine (Prozac). Antidepressants take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for the medication to start working, just give it time!
hi Ive been on Effexor for two years...long story short: I began taking the 75 mg for extreme panic attacks and depression. It took about 4-5 months and going up to 150 mg but it did work very well. I have had NO panic attacks since about December 2012(went on them in August) and Im certainly not depressed. I think it will work for you but maybe a higher dose, and in a month or two more.
Are you taking any sedatives meanwhile? Fast acting stuff like Valium or Xanax can be useful till your antidepressant kicks in.
One warning: do NOT attempt to come off Effexor once you've been taking it for a while, skipping a dose will cause huge withdrawal. Ive forgotten to take my Effexor a few times and I felt like I had the flu and the worst hangover of my life. Just know that, if you take Effexor you shouldn't plan of coming off of it for quite some time. Its a very good drug for panic and depressive disorder but its very addictive. Hope this helps.
I never notice a difference in my demeanor, but according to my friends, I'm a lot less volatile while medicated.
it takes over a month to truely have a good effect. Btw its not gona hit you like ''oh wow i feel great'' its mild and you just feel less like shit. The effect is more noticeable when you get off of it. lol
It's perfectly normal......if it is the wrong med. If you don't feel better after three weeks on Effexor, then you're definitely in need of another opinion (guaranteed, a good doctor will see it this way). That's why so many anti-d's are available.
Antidepressants usually take 4-6 weeks to start working. Even when you do hit that point, you may need a higher dose, or this might not be the medication for you. Everyone's depression is different - you may do better on a different medication, or it may be more about your life circumstances, in which case you would probably be more responsive to therapy.
Recovery may take some lifestyle changes, as well. Antidepressants often act as a little bit of a 'boost' to help you get better, while the real change is in your habits, mindset, and coping strategies. Take time every day to think about your depression. Isolate the problems. Write them all down. Come back to the list later when you are feeling well and try to look at them in a new light, or discuss them with someone you trust. Therapy could be especially helpful with this.
Thanks everyone! I am currently on 75mg as well, I had no idea the dosage could go up so high! I really appreciate all the responses I got, thanks for being so nice everyone! :3
Moonpie, I was on a lower dosage to start with but not sure on the mg although I think it may have been 75mg then I was put on 375mg which is really high. It worked really good until I improved my life ( left my abusive husband and started exercising and looking after myself) then it just made me feel stoned all the time especially when I forgot to take it for a day or more. (please remember to take it everyday otherwise u will get withdrawals and it's not nice) like I said it took about 6 weeks to work but I felt better when it started working. It feels like for ever to start working but it will, just be patient. Good luck and if u have any more questions I'm happy to help if I can :)
I took effexor cor a year. It takes a while to change anything, don't worry. It wont make you happy, but it'll level you up so you can get through the day and get better. It's really important that you see a psychologist or therapist or find another way to work on what's making you feel bad so that you'll get better eventually. Keep trying, i hope that you feel better soon!
Thanks very much for the responses Caritas and Kellstar! Do you remember what mg dosage you were on kellstar? I am having a follow up with my doctor on Monday to talk about the medication, not sure if she will raise my dosage or tell me to wait and see. :)