Change to venlafaxine

[Mrs_Panda]

Yesterday my doctor changed my medication from 150mg sertraline to venlafaxine. She's said to take 37.5mg a day for a week, then take two a day afterwards. I've taken it once so far and feel terrible. I don't know if this is my body missing the sertraline already, or the venlafaxine. I know new meds can make you feel worse before they make you feel any better, but this seems like it's had an instant impact, which is way quicker than I would have expected. Is this normal?

Also I'm a bit worried because I've gone from a high dose of sertraline to a very very low dose of venlafaxine. I know this is to ease me into any possible side effects, but I'm worried I've gone from a high dose to a tiny dose so I won't feel any benefit at all.

I don't know, basically I'm just very worried and feeling poo today and would appreciate any kind words. Thank you.

[bitomato]

Hey. I don't know about setraline but I understand 75mg to be the therapeutic minimum dose for venlafaxine. It will take a while for levels to adjust in your system. Do you know if you are taking a generic or the actual brand that has proven less side effects than generic?

[Ballerina123]

I would approach your prescribing Dr about this. They may be able to alter the dose so you feel less unwell.

When I first started on venlavaxine I felt quite unwell. However I've been on it for around 4 months now and have no side effects so it dose wear off over time.

Now the side effects have worn off I feel like it's the been the best medication for my depression so far.

As for coming of the sertraline, that medication has a very long half life so I good dose will stay in your system for a couple of week. So by that point I expect you will be on a dose of venlavaxine that will be beneficial to your mental health.