Venlafaxine?

HeliumHelmets · 10-05-2015, 09:30 PM

My GP has decided to put me on venlafaxine starting on Wednesday.
I've had a quick skim through stuff on the internet, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the medication and had any advice/input?

Thanks :)

Epicene · 10-05-2015, 09:41 PM

It's known for being quite an activating and effective medication. Only thing is that the withdrawals come on quite quickly (I get them after missing a single dose), so make sure you take it regularly at the same time each day.

Margo · 10-05-2015, 10:16 PM

Affect people in different ways. I know some who found them great. They half killed me. The half life of them is very short. If you miss a single dose you will feel it.

I'm sure they will be fine for you. X

ParanormalChickenGeek · 10-05-2015, 10:51 PM

Hey, I'm on venlafaxine. It's helped massively with my anxiety when no other drug has.
As already stated, the standard release venlafaxine has a very short half life so withdrawal effects can occur very easily. I've just started on the modified release venlafaxine that you just take once daily and find there's much less side effects with that one.
Good luck!

look out a piano · 10-05-2015, 11:16 PM

I was nervous about the withdrawal and side effects when researching venlafaxine but I've been prescribed the modified release version. I haven't experienced any side effects.

I haven't been on it particularly long, about 2 months, and been increased to 225 mg for a week now.

Wish you the best of luck, hope it goes well =).

HeliumHelmets · 10-05-2015, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the replies! I had lots of trouble with the sertraline, and felt nothing with citalopram, so hopefully this will be the one for me :)

I'll keep the half life of them in mind, thank you!

Cacoethes · 11-05-2015, 12:49 PM

Whwn I first went on lenlafaxine about 5 years ago it worked more than any of the other meds did
It really helpbut the withdrawful from it is a b*tch!!
I tried it sent me manic the last time I was om it.

pixiedust · 12-05-2015, 01:06 AM

I was on venaflaxine a few years ago. I'm not sure whether it worked for me or not as although things did get a but bettr I went onto other meds at the same time. Originally I was on a very high dose (sorry I can't remember what but when I looked it up it was higher than the most you're meant to have) but had very shaky hands to the point I couldn't even write. They lowered the dose though to what is a 'normal' dose & the side effects disappeared. I hope it helps you.

Chocolate Fireguard · 21-05-2015, 09:39 AM

I was on it for quite a long time. I found that I didn't really have side effects from taking it but I definitely had side effects when I missed a dose & after missing a couple of doses you're desperate for the next one & feel pretty awful. If you're someone who is reliable in terms of taking meds then it's a good drug for you & I think overall it did help me. My friends & family certainly seemed to think so & could tell pretty quickly if I'd not taken them. If you ever decide to come off it, definitely wean off slowly with the help of your doctor. I should really follow my own advice..

Irisflower · 21-05-2015, 05:27 PM

I agree with the rest of the other posters. Venlafaxine helped me a lot - at first it was like night and day with the depression - unfortunately it stopped working for me about a year into it, but this isn't everyone's experience. I had the "brain zaps" when I tried to withdraw from it suddenly, so going slow is the way to go if you do withdraw from it. I also had some weight gain.