Give it some time. Try it for phew days.

What strength of the Effexor XL are you taking? I started out on 75 mg, but over hte years have tappered off to 37.5 As for the Zannies, these things hit people entirely different. Some people I know actually passs out from them...........and others neer knew they ever took anything. You can not rely on just the meds to be a magic potion, you have to create an environment so that you will be peaceful as well. Any stress or something that would cause you to freak out is still out there. Just because our doctors presscribe things to take the edge off and to help us, we can't rely totally on the pills........It may take your body time to adjust to the meds, if yo ufind they are NOT doing anyhting. your dose may need toe increased or meds changed all together. Give it at least a month.

I will be taking the 75mg Effexor, but the first week is 37.5mg just to get my body used to it before upping the dosage.

I feel a little better even after only 2 doses, but I'm sure its a placebo effect.

Thats the way I began them almost 8 years ago............start out the first week 37.5 then began the 75. I took 75mg for a few years then realized I was so tired all hte time. I cut the dose and finally at an even kiln! TOok a foew years of different meds but i am at peace iwth myself! Like I said, it will take time, but you may notice a difference if taking both at htesaem time a lot earlier! Good luck!

Why were you on it for 8 years? My doctor said that Effexor XR is a 6 month treatment, and after 6 months I'l ween off it over the course of 2 weeks and then I won't have to take anything anymore. Assuming it works ofcourse.

Not sure why your Dr. says this, I have 3 different Dr.s one being my neurosurgeon. Guess some people have to take meds more often or depending on the state of depression you are in??????? I am not a Dr. I just know this has worked for me! Maybe I'll ask mine about this!

I've been on Wellbutrin for a week, and I really really think that, that medicine is making me feel worse. The thing is when my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin for me he also prescribed Xanax. I only have .25 and it works for me perfect... but I have a horrible feeling its just covering up over the wellbutrin anxiety side effects.

When I take Xanax, even that low dose it works for me instantly - I feel very peaceful - but the big thing about Xanax for me is that when I take it, in about an hour it just knocks me out. Sometimes thats good and sometimes it's not, I can only take it at night.

Anti-depressants aren't a cure. Most people stay on them when they are working right. There really isn't any "cure" for anxiety. Sometimes people stay on them only while they are going thru some tough times. But when you stop taking them, you go back to the way you felt before. Also, effexor can take up to 6-8 weeks to start to work, usually that long. As for the Xanax, Fairy Godmother is right, it isn't a magic pill, I think it is much better to feel like yourself, only you aren't prone to be anxious. I personally didn't get much from Xanax. But everyone is different. Probably the Xanax is just till the Effexor kicks in. Effexor is a very good med, it helps a lot of people.

metalcrystal.........thank you for stepping up to the plate and laying it all out there on the table. Its such a joy to know htere are otherswho can agree and not have to question or argue over depression and anxiety.....

yeah I have gotten into it before with people who don't believe in meds. They should try being in my head when I am super anxious. I took Effexor first and loved it, but i had to stop because of side effects, so i tried Cymbalta next. It is fantastic, I feel soooo much better. Like my doc said, I didnt even know how bad I was feeling till I felt better. The anxiety was the symptom, I have a low level depression I have had all my life. I wish I had been lucky enough to have been diagnosed as a teen-ager. Being anxious or depressed is no way to live your life. There is no shame in taking meds if you are sick, if you had any other disease, you would take the medicine, and not try to "tough it out" with supplements and relaxation tapes! The right meds at the right dose should make you feel like yourself, only not so tense, if you feel sleepy or flat emotionally, talk to your doc about dosage, or another type. There are alot of different kinds,a good doc will work with you till you feel the best you can. Lecture over, haha.

Touche my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!