Re: Effexor for panic attacks?
Hi Lucy! I took Prozac a long time ago and don't really remember the start up effects and I haven't taken effexor before either. The thing with Anti Depressants though is they pretty much all have start up effects (the only one I found that didn't is Mirtazapine). Most AD start up effects do seem to increase the anxiety at first (this is just your brain getting used to it). Mirtazapine has a sedative effect at a low dose, so it is a bit different. Because of the sedative effect it can make you quite groggy in the morning and during the day when you first start taking it and also is known to make you gain weight. If you are really struggling the best thing you can do is go back to your GP and ask if they might be able to give you something short term to help you through the start up period of the effexor. Other than this the only other thing you can do is ride through the start up effects and practice your calming techniques, meditation, deep breathing etc. This is my opinion only, but if the panic is really bad, delaying starting the effexor is only going to draw out everything. The medications do eventually reduce the anxiety...well sertraline worked for me, but to get to that point, you have to endure the start up effects. Try to speak to your GP, and explain how bad you are feeling...be totally honest with them, so they are able to help you. Maybe have a look on the Medications Forum under Effexor, lots of people post about their start up experiences, read back through older posts as well. Hope you find some relief soon. I am always brutally honest with my Psych about how I am feeling and he is always very helpful. They are there to help you. Tracy xx
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