First day on Effexor

[Kat2345]

I took Effexor for the first time today. I feel like a zombie. My head is numb. It feels like I took a high dose of tranquilizer. Did someone experienced the same thing?

[Hidden]

I had the exact same reaction when I tried it. Numb head that felt like it was floating and twice it's size. I also got real dizzy and almost fainted. My doctor at the time said it was an allergic reaction and stop taking it immediately. I had to stay home for a couple of days until the affects wore off. You should call your doctor and let them know what's going on.

[NavyMomma17]

I started taking effexor again a few weeks ago. I felt the same way, kinda scary! I was light headed and dizzy. It takes awhile to get used to, but it really helped with my depression and anxiety. Hope you start feeling better soon 😊

[Kat2345 in reply to NavyMomma17]

Thank you!

[NavyMomma17 in reply to Kat2345]

You're very welcome!

[Kat2345 in reply to NavyMomma17]

How long does it take for medication to kick in? Did it help you with unwanted thoughts?

[NavyMomma17 in reply to Kat2345]

It takes a few weeks to kick in normally. For me it took about a week to feel it working, it doesn't take long for me to feel meds for some reason. It definitely helped with unwanted thoughts! I'm really happy I switched to effexor. Also, it took my appetite away for awhile. I've lost about 10lbs. Not going to complain about that lol

[Kat2345 in reply to NavyMomma17]

Thanks for your reply!

[NavyMomma17 in reply to Kat2345]

You're welcome 😊

[DaveBel]

I suggest that you give it time as these meds take time to normalize in our chemistry

[Kat2345 in reply to DaveBel]

Thanks!

[HappyThinkin]

As long as you can function and it doesn't make things worse. It'll take a few weeks to work. Did u take it with the other medication?

[Kat2345 in reply to HappyThinkin]

Effexor and Hydroxizine as needed for anxiety.

[HappyThinkin in reply to Kat2345]

Is the Hydroxizine helping?

[Kat2345 in reply to HappyThinkin]

Just a little bit.

[HappyThinkin in reply to Kat2345]

A little bit is better than nothing. Baby steps.

[animalfanatic44]

Every med is different - but Effexor made me into someone I didn't know & made my anxiety worse. The withdrawals coming off this medication were miserable for me, so just be careful!

[Southpark in reply to animalfanatic44]

Yes. Effexor is one of the worst to get off. It’s known for that. A total nightmare. I don’t want to scare you , but Couldn’t the dr put you on something else? How many have you taken? What mg?

[Kat2345 in reply to Southpark]

37.5mg

[Southpark in reply to Kat2345]

Are you open to your dr. Putting you on something else?

[Southpark in reply to Kat2345]

Did you say you are not taking it at all? How long have you been on it?

[Kat2345 in reply to Southpark]

I've been taking Effexor for 2 days only. I was on Trazodone but didn't do much for me. I asked her if I can switch to Zoloft but she suggested to try Effexor first. I was on Zoloft for 5 years but the med stopped working for me. It's been 8 months since I stopped taking Zoloft. I thought maybe after break I will work for me again but doc said Effexor.

[B4andafter]

Before deciding to go off any prescription medicine, I suggest you discuss it with your doctor. Everyone responds to medication differently. The standard efficacy for anti-depressants is 4-6 weeks. It's not unusual to feel stronger effects when you first start them because your body needs the time to adjust and those unpleasant symptoms should lessen considerably over time. If not, talk with your doctor as another anti-depressant might suit you better. Just don't make any decision to come off the Effexor on your own.

[Kat2345 in reply to B4andafter]

Thanks!