Venlafaxine help/query

[JP26]

I’ve recently upped my Venlafaxine Dosage from 75mg to 150mg, I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence or not but since the increase I seem a lot more nervous, on edge and overwhelmed by things, at home and work particularly, that I was previously managing okay? Could it be the medication causing these feelings?

[No1wthayla]

Hi, JP26. Here is some information on serotonin syndrome, a type of problem with Venlafaxine. Serious side effects: "Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, hallucinations, coma, muscle twitching, rapid heartbeat, compromised coordination, high or low blood pressure, excessive sweating or fever" are listed as side effects. Also, like other depression medications, Venlfaxine can cause changes in your mood, depression and an increased chance of suicide.

I would talk to my doctor but also take a complete list of medications you take. Some over the counter supplements can cause serotonin syndrome to happen when taking Venlafaxine (Effexor).

[JP26]

Thanks for that, I just seem a lot more nervous and on edge, worrying about things since upping my dosage around 6 weeks ago which isn’t like me, I don’t want to blame the medication but just wondering if it’s linked to this change in me

[Believeinyourself123]

Hmm I would for sure check with your Dr. My anxiety went away taking effexor but coming off of it was a nightmare. Not to scare you. Its a tough one to come down from I was on 300 mg. Now im on zoloft and I'm back to batteling anxiety and depression

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to Believeinyourself123]

I hope this helps you. Take care if you cant get ahold of your Dr right away call your pharmacy. They might be able to help you. Best wishes

[JP26 in reply to Believeinyourself123]

Would you not go back on Effexor if the anxiety is back maybe?

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to JP26]

Nope. That was not a goid medication for me. It really drug me down a hole. Every one is different though. Me i dont want anywhere near it. I also felt numb very numb on it. If i missed a dose I would get violently ill. Just not a good med for me.

[JP26]

Thank you I’ll bear that in mind and try and discuss with my gp, I’ve suffered with anxiety/depression for years but this feels different and all that’s changed in my life has been the dosage

[Believeinyourself123 in reply to JP26]

You're welcome. I hope you get relief soon. Take care💜💜

[banwell]

The problem seems to lie in the fact that no advice is given about transferring from one strength to another or if the brand is changed. I am only the carer of a sufferer but when the brand was suddenly changed it caused problems. I challenged the pharmacist and he quickly said he would swap the rest of the packet for the same brand as previously supplied, this seemed to be of benefit to my sister.

I also believe I have read somewhere that a change in dosage should be staggered, introducing the larger dose every few days , slowly reducing the number of smaller doses as you increase the larger dose. Don't mix on the same day just change on some days but building up if you need the larger dose.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about making the changeover they should know I am just an amateur.

[JP26]

Hi thanks for sharing, I did speak with my gp before gradually increasing my dosage but this nervous/overwhelmed feeling seems to have coincided with the increase so I thought I’d ask see if anyone else had experienced this maybe.

[hannah1987b]

Hi, I’ve been on venlafaxin for years but since having my dosage upped from 150mg per day to 187.5mg to 300mg per day, I’ve noticed changes . It did settled down but I’m feel detached and numb again and outbursts of anger on/off. It’s worked great for me for

A long time and kept me on an even keel but I have definitely noticed changes from going from 187.5 to 300mg per day xx I hope u are feeling some relief now xx

[JP26 in reply to hannah1987b]

Hi thanks for sharing that with me, I’m really thinking about lowering my dosage and maybe even coming off meds altogether if I’m honest. Since going up to 150mg I’ve been nervous and worrying more about things, having a dry mouth and bad night sweats, just completely fed up of everything basically!

[Jinxed20 in reply to JP26]

I’m not sure if you did decide to stay on this medication or not but I would agree with you that you can feel more anxious on it . It is actually a side of effect if it although it is used which is very confusing . I am also very flat lined on it also and have Chronic fatigue and weight gain . Not sure if this info helps you but I would agree you may feel these side effects and then the sad part is the usually put up on more medication to deal with the anxiety portion . I also sweated really bad on it . I have made my first reduction on this medication this week after 12 hrs and feeling like my life was stolen from me and I’m praying I can get off this stuff . The longer your on it they said the worse it can be to get off of and very bad withdrawal is the information I have been given . Wishing you the best .

[JP26 in reply to Jinxed20]

Hi thanks for replying, after consulting my gp I’ve convinced him to allow me to drop back to my 75mg dosage from 150mg. It was a slow decrease and it wasn’t very pleasant either. I was hoping to be off the meds completely now but with the whole vivid lockdown I’m just sort of tolerating sitting at 75mg for now.

I hope your own reduction in meds isn’t too troubling, it certainly isn’t nice and it’s quite scary how powerful these meds are and the effects they have on you.

Good luck in your quest to get off them, let me know how your getting on with it.

[hannah1987b]

I would definitely recommend seeing dr esp before lowering dosage ! I’m on 150mg twice daily. Another one that worked well for me for years was citalopram. Have u tried that? It might just be it doesn’t suit u in higher dosage. Pls do see a dr this week ASAP! U do t want to risk it getting any worse xx