Venlaflaxine for treating depression & anxiety

[Stephmale]

Anyone on Venlaflaxine? Gone from 75mg to 150mg last 2 weeks and feel anxious every morn, lacking in emotion and not myself? Came off Sertraline to try this as felt Sertraline wasn’t working for me anymore. I suffer terribly with anxiety and depression. I used to have episodes that came and went and now I seem to have episodes that stay with me much longer, I almost feel like something has changed in my brain and it feels different, not sure if anyone can relate to that?

[Needylol]

I take a minimal dose of Venlafaxine, could be the 75mg, and have for several years. The initial side effects were as bad as the reason I was prescribed the stuff and that could be what you are experiencing. You probably also know that SSRIs are basically unpredictable as to their effect on any individual.

I have never increased the dosage, and sometimes think about trying to transition off, but the circumstances never seem to be right for that. They certainly aren't at present. I am having some improvement with meditation and mindfulness practice, as well as trying to develop my attitude of gratitude.

Please take care Stephmale

[Needylol in reply to Needylol]

Actually I checked and I'm on 3.75 which is the minimum I think, and i had initial side effects from that small of a dosage

[Stray]

I stopped taking Sertraline as it gave me weird dreams and I felt awful on it, like I was going mad, I slowly stopped it over a matter of two months and I feel alot better, maybe I didn't need it, don't let doctors convince you that you need antidepressants, you may just need a healthy lifestyle.

[Hidden]

Hello Stephmale,

That's a big increase in a short time. Usually venlafaxine is increased in 37.5 mg increments. I would definitely tell your prescriber about your side effects.

Stay safe.

[robbylynnofnm]

I take 75mg and 150mg of Venlafaxine ER each day. It has worked wonderfully for me. My depression is so much better and my anxiety is under control. I take Lamotrigine 100mg also. You just have to find the right medication for you. Once you find the right combination it does help manage your illness.