Depression Support Group

try taking it in the pm to get through the side effects, though it kinda sounds like side effects of depression. were you sleeping a lot before? unmotivated before? also yes it is so so so important to see a psychiatrist and not a primary care MD, for psychiatric issues!! psychiatrists have much more training in diagnosising and perscribing psychotropic meds. good luck

I tried effexor twice and it really made me a zombie just like you are talking about. Ive had the same problem to different degrees with other SSRIs.

I've just gotten over the start up effects of effexor again, and while I get days when I can barely keep myself awake I have found that instead of being a zombie, it just helps me focus on things other than being depressed.

Just ceased Effexor XL after 3 1/2yrs because it turned me into a walking zombie, and the only way I found out was to reduce my dose from 75mg to 37.5mg and noticed that the more debilitating symptoms reduced greatly. I have been diagnosed with M.E./C.F.S. and yet it was infact the Effexor causing it all.

Effexor has made me tired for a spell both times I started on it, but it eased up. I figure it's kind of all that stored anxiety about depression letting loose until I got more balanced out.

[just fyi, I take one pill every other day. seems to give me more energy than taking a pill every day, even if I take a half dose. go figure!]

Maybe they might want to reduce the dosage to see if that works....

Effexor had the same effect on me, although I was 15 years old when a doctor first prescribed it to me. Worth mentioning it to your GP.

I take effexor xr and its my wonder med. I did have to have it bumped up a few months ago because of added stress in my life so I was having anxiety attacks. But my husband says my mood is much better since being on it. Im not nearly as evil as I used to be. It just might not be the right med for you. How long have you been on it?

I was on Effexor XR 75mg for 18 months and it really didn't have much of an effect on me. However, I found out that my idiot doctor wasn't following up with me on it like he should have, even though I went to him several times.

I am now seeing a psychiatrist that bumped me up to 225mg. It seems to be working but still a bit early to tell. The side effects I've noticed are dry mouth, loss of sex drive and it keeps me AWAKE at nite!

I'm taking 225 mg and was told to take it in the morning. I too sleep like more sleep. Although I feel pretty good, I don't have the desire to do much. Sometimes, I don't even want to get dressed. My primary MD doesn't even want to attempt to change my meds. I've been so treatment resistant in the past. However, I haven't found a psych doc since we moved here. It is a much smaller city and not as many options.Does it seem your body temp has changed since you've been taking Effexor? I've been extra steamy the last few months? UGH! - I'll be watching this thread to see what others adives. Good Luck.