[scooterb]

I'm wondering if anyone has found that Effexor helps with thier depression but not with GAD? I take 300 mg's of Effexor-XR, but when I don't use Ativan it feels like my heart is coming out of my chest and my breathing is shallow. I've been on the Effexor for about 2 years and I am seeing a new psychiatrist on Friday. I'm thinking of asking the doctor to lower the dosage - but my past experience has been a return to severe depression when I am on lower dosages. Is Paxil better? I do a lot of different and healthy things to control my disease - I'm not expecting the medication to solve everything. I'd appreciate any feedback.
Thank you, scooterb

[Trillian100]

Funny... I was completely opposite. Effexor helped with my anxiety but did little for my depression. My highest dosage was 150 mg for 8 weeks before my doctor wanted to try something else. Now I'm on Pristiq and Ativan which I'm getting to dislike more and more. Pristiq gives me headaches and Ativan makes me feel like a zombie. As far as other drugs go, I didn't feel like Cymbalta helped me at all and I liked Lexapro except for the unfortunate side effect of weight gain. I guess I'll just keep on trucking until I find something that works best with my brain chemistry.

[HALLIEBETH87]

it raised my anxiety level sky high

[mlpHolmes]

Hi Scooterb!!

I've been on Effexor 450 mgs. for 2, 1/2 yrs. and it is
working just fine for me. I take it w/ 1 Clonazepam (1.5mgs)
I have no side effects at all. Maybe this could help w/ your anxiety? Good luck.
Holmes

[scooterb]

Thanks everybody for the feedback. It looks like anxiety might be a byproduct of the Effexor unless used with something like Ativan to tempor it. It helps me to know that other people are OK with that.
Lisa