Last week, Wednesday, I was diagnosed as bipolar. Prior to that I have had major anxiety for 6 years that is controlled with an anti-anxiety when I feel like a panic attack may be coming on or my anxiety is making me unravel. I take it as needed. I started the effexor Thursday of last week and immediately I noticed that my anxiety has gone through the roof!! I'm talking about horrible, horrible anxiety about EVERYTHING (big and small). Has anyone else has this problem with effexor? Is it aggravating my anxiety? Should I stop taking it?