Will taking Effexor increase my anxiety level?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am currently on 37.5 mg of Effexor and 7.5 of Mirtazapine. I started Effexor about 10 days ago, my anxiety has increased since starting, and I am taking Klonopin to help with that. Is increased anxiety a normal side effect when starting Effexor? I am also having nausea, dry mouth, and grinding my teeth at night. I do not want to switch to another medication if this is something that could subside in time. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Some people can experience worsening of anxiety when starting Effexor (Venlafaxine) also nausea, and dry mouth can happen as well. They usually settle by two to three weeks. You are only on a low starting dose so hopefully should settle in due course. Discuss with your prescribing doctor during the next review so that dose titration can be done very slowly as needed. If the side effects do not settle, then, other options need to be considered. You can use Klonopin (Clonazepam) as needed up to four weeks to manage excess anxiety during this period. Do not continue Klonopin beyond four weeks. Keep using CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) or psychological therapy strategies to manage anxiety and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Also, try deep breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation exercises to manage stress and anxiety. Thank you.