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lttlecrybby
PeaAddict
PeaNut 357,838
January 2008
Posts: 1,892
Layouts: 16
Loc: Georgia
 |  Posted: 12/3/2012 2:09:26 PM
Anyone take effexor or the generic of that for anxiety? My dr wants me to try it for anxiety attacks I've been having. Curioius to hear how well it has worked for others here. |
| I'm not a wierdo I'm a smarto! | |
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dizzimama
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 7,161
October 2000
Posts: 2,639
Layouts: 10
Loc: NW Washington-No Not Seattle :)
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 2:20:31 PM
I don't use Effexor.... I use Xanax. I also am on Seroquel and some other drugs for other reasons, but the Seroquel helps as a by-product.
But I just wanted to say that I hope that you find what works for you.
Anxiety is no fun and if you can find some relief... it can be a world of a difference.
Good luck to you.... | |
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SillyRabbit
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 104,457
September 2003
Posts: 2,821
Layouts: 12
Loc: Where The Grass Is Blue
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 2:23:56 PM
I used Effexor for years for depression and anxiety. I had to go off of it when my DH switched jobs and we had an insurance lapse. There is no hell like coming off Effexor. I wouldn't recommend it due to that. I currently take Paxil and it is pretty effective for my anxiety issues but doesn't have near the withdrawal effects. Good luck to you. |
Cindy 
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chocluver
PeaNut
PeaNut 548,462
March 2012
Posts: 316
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 2:43:34 PM
I take Effexor daily. I use Xanax when needed. I would definitely try Xanax first. Like others have mentioned, Effexor is EXTREMELY difficult to get off of. | |
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Scrappin Bunny
BucketHead
PeaNut 436,594
August 2009
Posts: 913
Layouts: 0
Loc: Oklahoma
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 2:52:30 PM
I used effexor for years and it worked really well. I was weaned off it over about 2-3 weeks when I got pregnant. I had no problems discontinuing it.
I would not jump on Xanax. The reason i say that, my husband overrdosed on Xanax. At the hospital the nurses said they were surprised he'd ben given Xanax, since it's so addictive. I don't have any other info, so do your own research. I also am not trying to make any snarky remarks about anyone who uses it successfully. All I want to do is make sure the OP is safe.
Good luck! | |
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Mystie
Dancing to the end of love.
PeaNut 8,446
December 2000
Posts: 11,800
Layouts: 173
Loc: Newport News, VA
| Posted: 12/3/2012 3:12:10 PM
I take Effexor (generic) for depression + anxiety. I started out on a lower dose, and then the doctor doubled that as it was not helping me. At the higher dose (150 mg, I think) I am definitely feeling some benefits. The depression is better and so is the anxiety. (In my case, the two seem to feed off each other.)
I have an Ativan prescription for those sleepless, anxious nights,and I haven't had to take one since I got on the correct dosage of Effexor.
So I'd encourage you to give it a shot and be aware that you may have to fiddle with the dosage. I haven't had any noticeable side effects, either, which has been a real bonus. With some anti-depressants, the side effects are worse than the disease!
ETA-- I read the other posts and yes, I did forget that missing a dose or two of Effexor is NO FUN, so I can imagine coming off it could be difficult. Definitely talk to your doctor about that aspect. For me, I was desperate enough and feeling bad enough that it's worth it, especially since I imagine I will be on it long-term. Only you know how bad your anxiety is, and what works for some may not work for you, and vice versa. Good luck! |
Janelle 
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gizmos
PeaAddict
PeaNut 375,962
May 2008
Posts: 1,089
Layouts: 0
Loc: running to catch up
| Posted: 12/3/2012 3:56:51 PM
Just so you know that Paxil is HELL coming off of as well. I currently take L-Theanine for mild anxiety. | |
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Luvspaper
PeaFixture
PeaNut 24,564
November 2001
Posts: 3,297
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 4:08:30 PM
If you want to try something more homeopathic, check for "calms forte" at your local GNC or grocery store that sells supplements. My DD has had good luck on it. It's not a prescription, is not expensive and there are no side effects.
It was suggested to me by a friend who has a Masters in Nutrition and is big on homeopathic solutions, so take it for what it is worth. | |
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mamato1
PEA-vil Genius
PeaNut 54,808
November 2002
Posts: 12,243
Layouts: 138
Loc: Sweet Home Chicago
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 4:11:16 PM
I take Zoloft. It's great. I'm on a low dose. I haven't had any issues when I've missed a dose or came off.
I think using meds to treat anxiety is well worth it and its made a huge difference in my life. I'm much happier. Good luck! |
~*Jamie*~
happily married to my very own Geek
Mom to the Divine Miss Em, sweet Cadiebug and baby Annie (6/09) | |
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lttlecrybby
PeaAddict
PeaNut 357,838
January 2008
Posts: 1,892
Layouts: 16
Loc: Georgia
| Posted: 12/3/2012 5:05:54 PM
Thanks y'all. I'm going to give it a shot. My anxiety levels are to the point that I know I need something. I just want to feel normal again. |
| I'm not a wierdo I'm a smarto! | |
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Linda-H
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 364,338
February 2008
Posts: 2,160
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 12/3/2012 5:09:17 PM
DH has taken Effexor and had no problems coming off it- he stopped taking it slowly. It worked well for him. | |
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ksuheather
low-information individual
PeaNut 190,373
February 2005
Posts: 7,935
Layouts: 0
Loc: wherever the army sends us
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 5:17:16 PM
Prozac works well but it a nightmare to come off. I've had good success with Lexapro and Zoloft and coming off either was very easy. |
A veteran is someone who, at one
point in his life, wrote a blank check
made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'
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hallows
PeaNut
PeaNut 573,459
November 2012
Posts: 77
Layouts: 0
Loc: Toronto
| Posted: 12/3/2012 5:22:16 PM
a long while back, I was put on Paxil - it was terrible to come off.
I now stick with natural approaches to my anxiety and panic (which can be debilitating at times) and the best thing I found is Rescue Remedy.
Check it out here: Rescue Remedy | |
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enjoytotheend
AncestralPea
PeaNut 359,333
January 2008
Posts: 4,043
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/3/2012 5:25:33 PM
I am on xanax right now for panic attacks. Paxil was hell to come off of. I guess it didn't help that I did it right away because it was making me suicidal. But I wouldn't ever touch that stuff again. Before the xanax though I tried lavender oil, rescue remedy, gaba, and kava kava. They also tried a med called buspar that did nothing for me. I hope you find something that helps. I know how hard it is dealing with anxiety. | |
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Gynergy
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 225,338
September 2005
Posts: 2,378
Layouts: 418
Loc: Georgia
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 5:28:19 PM
I hope that the meds help reduce your anxiety -- it is an awful experience.
For most people, an antidepressant like Effexor is much safer than risking addiction to Xanax by using it frequently. If you think getting off Effexor is bad (and I've done it and agree it was miserable) Xanax is worse -- you have to be hospitalized for detox if you become dependent on a benzo.
These days most doctors are more educated about the need to taper off of meds slowly to reduce or avoid discontinuation issues. If/when it's time to come off of the Effexor, be sure you follow your doctor's instructions and go slowly. |
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MizCindy
PeaFixture
PeaNut 283,235
November 2006
Posts: 3,923
Layouts: 0
Loc: The Buckeye State
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 10:27:54 PM
Okay gals - you now have me terrified to drop my Paxil. I have been on it about 2 years and I "think" I long ago passed needing it (short term panic situation, etc...) but I am hesitating going off it is because I hear it is hard. Now I worry that I have been on it too long and it will be harder. Ack - how much were you gals taking and what does "awful" mean as far as the withdrawal??? Now I am having anxiety about my anxiety - loL!! | |
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SillyRabbit
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 104,457
September 2003
Posts: 2,821
Layouts: 12
Loc: Where The Grass Is Blue
| Posted: 12/3/2012 10:50:18 PM
This thread has been so interesting. I had no idea Paxil had withdrawal effects for some people. I had no problems coming off of it the couple of gaps that I've had. It's so interesting how each individual's body chemistry works so differently. |
Cindy
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