Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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How long do medications take to have an effect?

deleted_user
deleted_user
How long does it take to start feeling some kind of effects (positive effects or side effects) from an antidepressant like venlafaxine (Effexor)?

Thanks.
ScaredandScarred
ScaredandScarred
They usually say 6-8 weeks to be fully in your system as a general rule I think
xx
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
ONSET is how long it takes for a drug to start taking effect in your system. Some AD onsets can take up to a month.

STEADY STATE, the term for when a drug reaches its level of effectiveness, can take much longer for certain drugs.

Both are, of course dependent on dosage. Here is some info from;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venlafaxine

"Steady-state concentrations of venlafaxine and its metabolite are attained in the blood within 3 days. Therapeutic effects are usually achieved within 3 to 4 weeks."
deleted_user
deleted_user
The Dr prescribed 25mg twice a day, but I decided to take it once a day to start just in case i had any bad side effects. Would this not be a good idea because I'm never getting enough of it, or will it still build up in my system just less of it?

Anyone experience lots of yawning with effexor? I only started taking it yesterday and I don't feel much more tired than usual, just a lot of yawning.
Rainer
Rainer
I'd take it as your doctor prescribed it...then if you start feeling side effects, call your doctor and see if you need to minimize the dosage.
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