Antidepressant side effects.

Hi Chrisora I'm sorry you're struggling! I've been on these for the last two weeks and I've been told by my care worker that they can take up to six weeks before they start kicking in. Like yourself I'm going through it right now and my advice is to stick with it. Perhaps tell your doctor if things get too much. Hope you get better soon!

For starters, it does take a few weeks for antidepressants to kick in.  And, you may not be on the right one.  Sometimes it takes many tries to find the one your brain and body like but when you do, the depression and all that goes with it will go away.  Be proactive and try to call someone to laugh with.  Even laughing at at a silly tv show will give a boost to your own endorphins for a while and that feels good!  Depression does not want you to have these highs that good feelings being on and will be like the devil on your shoulder telling you not to do it because it might lose it's hold on you.  Laughing, being around people, doing something nice for someone else in need, all release endorphins and they are the first step in regaining your life.  

Hi Chriselora,

I have been on Venlafaxine for about 6 months now (75, then 150, and now at 187.5).

For 1st 2 weeks no noticeable improvement, but had the nasty side effects. From weeks 2 through 5 saw improvement, and around week 6... bam! I felt much better. Still have some night sweats, insomnia and sexual delay, however the depression has almost disappeared and I am my old self again. In some ways improved I would say as I am much more outgoing and always in a good mood.

Good luck.

I know you don't feel like expending the energy or time to feel better; that is the trap of depression.  Take baby steps.  Get out of bed one day and do a few stretches.  Congratulate yourself.  You just did something good for yourself.  Be grateful and try to have some positive conversations with your husband or sister...not about how bad you feel, about something you remember as a good memory.  That will let out a few endorphins and will be a band aid for the moment.  Now, build on that the next day.  Journal.  Yes, it is time consuming but your brain believes you are talking to someone when you write things down.  You can write all the bad stuff you want in it and then shred it, if necessary.  Each time you journal, it will be another baby step.  Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the good about you, like, you'd are a kind, loving person.  When you feel up to it, do something special for someone who would really appreciate it.  Call an elderly or sick person.  Sit by someone going thru the monotony of chemo.  Reminds you what is good about you and your life and what you have to be grateful for.  Baby steps.  This did not come on overnight and will not go away that quickly, either.  Slow and steady are those baby steps.  Bless you and those going thru this with you.

It takes up to 6 weeks for AD's to kick in.

Yes it does get worse before it get better

Stay Strong

Hi There,

I havent been on Venlafaxine before however if its a Serotoninn uptake med there most definately will be some side effects they vary dependant on dosage and person rest assure this is a good thing believe it or not hang in there !