Effexor working after only 4 pills?!
 

Today was the fourth day I took my 37.5 mg effexor in the morning. I highly believe that I am already seeing very positive results! I know that they say that it can take 3-4 weeks to see results and I know that I am on a VERY low dose but I'm telling you I have totally noticed a decrease in anxiety, dizziness, overstimulation when out and my brain hasn't shut down or been overwhelmed. I've also been in a much better mood, who wouldn't be with all of the good changes!

I have found some weird side effects going on though. It appears that every morning I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms in the hour or so before I take the pill and then until about an hour after taking it. It is very uncomfortable stomach pains and nausea that starts to turn into shaking. I'm not happy with this and hope it starts to go away.

The other thing I've noticed is when I start to get hungry later in the day the stomach pains come back and I get nauseated again until I eat then I'm ok. The pharmacist says he doesn't believe any of this is caused by the medication but I didn't have any of it until I started taking these so I believe he is wrong.

After 10 days I'm supposed to go up to 75mgs but I have a very low tolerance for medications and judging from the current reactions I may not want to go up or even need to if this dose is working for me. I only take 10 mg of Amitriptyline also and it starts to work on me within days too and is supposed to take weeks. Just hyper sensitive I guess.

Well, I hope these last two days haven't just been a fluke. I've been exposed to all sorts of things that should have caused a brain shutdown and they didn't. Four days ago they did and the only change is this drug. It's amazing the physical symptoms that anxiety causes. I'm not saying I'm magically cured but the difference is amazing.

Has anyone had any experience with the stomach side effects of this drug, or similar drugs, and had it go away with time? I'm kind of worried I'm doing damage to my stomach lining. I make sure I take it with food but the burning is still there.

I hope everyone is having a good day!

CC

Effexor has a very short half life... like 5 hrs or so.
(in tablet form). That means it is starting to wear off after 5 hrs.

This is why they later introduced a long acting form.

I'd report the side effects to the doctor. Also when you go back there ask for blood pressure check, because Effexor can raise blood pressure in some people.

Usually stomach/nausea effects come when the drug is active, not wearing off. But you know Effexor is a dual action type anti-depressant, and has norepi and serotonin (the nausea part) effects combined. It could be that the norepi part is suppressing the serotonin part, and you are feeling the norepi part wearing off first which would then reveal the nausea part.

The stomach side effects are terrible for some people, and there are those who discontinue SSRI or SNRI type drugs because of them. I wouldn't raise your dose too fast if you have the nausea now.

Sorry, I think I am on the longer time released version, effexor XR. Thank you for the information! I will check my blood pressure and mention the side effects to my Dr. I won't be increasing until these side effects ease up and then only if I feel I need more benefit.

Thanks again!

CC

Great that you see some benefits! Continue to let us know how it goes. Good luck with the side effects. Yuck!

Interesting! I have no knowledge of what to expect with Effexor but wanted to say I'm glad you've had some improving days. What a feeling!! I've had some good fortune as well in the past few days. It's so energizing to have hope. :) I'm happy for you! Hope the side effects can be managed!!!