Just started effexor XR 37.5 for anxiety

[lefty80]

Hi -

I have been struggling with pretty strong anxiety/intrusive thoughts for about the past 6 weeks. I went through this once before during my 2nd pregnancy and therapy alone was enough to help me work through it and I was feeling wonderful for over the past year. Last month I had a miscarriage and my husband is changing jobs to a much more time consuming/on call position and I think the totality of the stress set off my anxiety.

I started seeing a therapist 3 or 4 weeks ago and she has greatly helped with cognitive techniques to get away from the anxiety thoughts and calm myself down when I start to panic but it seemed like I was still spiraling into anxiety/panic mode for the majority of my days. I had a really awful week 2 weeks ago where I was literally barely functioning (I had to stay with my mom to help to take of my 2 little ones (3yr and almost 2yr). At that point I sought a referral for a psychiatrist for the 1st time in my life. I was terrified I was losing my mind and going crazy b/c I was letting my anxiety take so much control and worrying about such irrational things (i.e. that I was going to snap and go crazy)

The psychiatrist was wonderful, totally reassuring and we decided I would try medication. He prescribed 37.5mg of Effexor XR 1x daily. I was treated with effexor XR about 10yrs ago for migraines (no anxiety at that time) and had success, that is why he wanted to start with something my body had had befort first...I have been on it for 1 week and feel like I am already progressing. I am functioning, taking care of my kids, getting housework done, cooking dinner, and sleeping again at night! I do still feel really "uncomfortable" during most of the early a.m. to the point where I can't really eat until mid afternoon; no appetite too nervouse etc. til then. By mid day I am MUCH more realxed and dinner time I am fine...by the time baths and bedtime is done for the kids by about 8pm I feel downright GREAT! Is this normal to have such a flux from a.m. to p.m.? Will this even out as I am on the medication more than 1 week?

Just looking for some positive reinforcement? I am also working on my breathing techniques and have ordered a panic attack CD rec by my therapist.

Thanks!

[swatling]

hi i was on effexor for a few months and they did work well but when u do decide to come of them make sure you get some omega 3 as this lestens the withdrawl symptoms.. also what i find helped was when you feel painc attack or anxious close your eyes and say to yourself can i accept for this moment in time the way i feel yes or no.. it helps