Did you start on the starter pack? With effexor, you have to start on the low dose and work your way up to the "maintenance" dose. You should definitely talk to your doctor immediately. YOu might also try the effexor website...I think there are on-staff support people to talk to. Good luck.

started on 75mg

I believe I started on 37.5mg. Like #1 said, with the starter pack

I took Effexor for about 6 months and suffered chronic stomach upset.

thanks guys but how do you cope with all the side effects while getting used to the med x

I had most of the same side effects you're having and I don't think there is a way to completely cope. Your body has to have time to adjust in the beginning and possible each time the dosage is increased. I started on 75mg and I'm now taking 300mg. I just had to endure the side effects because I knew the alternative would be worse. It was the fourth med they tried on me and was desperate. I still have trouble sleeping sometimes and I get the "nervouse shakes" a lot, but I can handle that better than the depression. If you can get through these first few weeks you'll be ok, but if you start having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting someone else you need to call your doc right away. GOOD LUCK!

It is a slow process unfortunatley ! I have been on Effexor amomg others for over 6 years . What I did in the beginning to cope was through trial & error . I would have warm baths , talk to someone , try & read , do positive affirmations . One thing that helped was to lay still close my eyes and think about being somewhere nice. On a beach , mountains , whatever feels safe . Try & imagine the sights , sounds , smells . This will help you relax. I still try & do this . Another thing that helped a lot ( may sound silly ) I bought a coloring book & crayons , listened to soft music & just colored . I hope this has been helpful . Please let me know how you are doing .I started at 37.5 & endedgoing up to 300mg , now I am back down to 187.5. It does take time to adjust . The Dr. & myself are still trying to find what works best .

thanks for the advice lchristine xx

Hi, Effexor xl or venlafaxine is a very good drug, having said that I am in the proccess of coming off venlafaxine 300mg. The side effects can sometimes be unpleasant, my side effects were much like yours, tremours, stuttering, not sleeping, suicidal thoughts and my legs would jerk as though having electric shocks. The noises in your head sounds as though you might want to speak to your GP about. I managed to control much of the negative thoughts (bare once), upset tummy and nusia goes after a while but if symptoms persist go to the GP.