Ventafaxine 37.5mg

[Ricardo70]

Hi all,

Due to recent events and a brief conversation with an NHS phycologist she suggested a change in my anti depressants.

I've been put on this new medication and wondered if anybody in our community had any experience with them.

I'm not due to start them until about two weeks time after the switching period.

Any advice on experiences with this medication would be a great help due to my doctor's not even discussing this with me.

Thank you all xx

[Missy_D]

Hi Ricardo,

I was on Venlafaxine. Personally for me this was the best anti depressant as I had no side effects and it really got me through my worst months.

A couple of things to note (from personal experience and advice given to me by my CPN) -

1) When compared to other AD's it has a very short half life, therefore it is important to take it at the same time every day.

2) You should have an ECG annually whilst on this medication.

mind.org.uk/information-sup...

Like all medications it may take 4 - 6 weeks to fully kick in. If you feel worse before you start to feel the benefits don't stop taking them but go back to your GP asap.

[Ricardo70 in reply to Missy_D]

Thank you so much for your response Missy D, I will keep that in mind. xx

[_Alex_]

It has a reputation for brutal withdrawal symptoms, so coming off it can be difficult.

[Missy_D in reply to _Alex_]

So I have heard, but for me I had no issues stopping them. I think that it must largely depend on the person, but also what you are being switched over too and whether you have to stop it completely before starting a new medication or the 2 can be mixed (so venlafaxine lowered as the new ad is increased).

[Ricardo70 in reply to _Alex_]

I've just been put on the venlaflaxin and reducing my citalopram. So far no problems but it's early days.