Venlafaxine and menapause - any other users having success?

[Perimum]

I’ve recently been prescribed V to help with the low moods and night time panic attacks caused by my oestrogen levels crashing. (I can’t take HRT due to migraine with aura).

I’m only 6 days in but feel awful, terrible nausea, fatigue and brain fog. Will this pass?

Atm I think I was better off before as physically the side effects feel a bit debilitating.

Thanks for any support...

[Hidden]

I do not know what medication you are on although if it is for Anxiety allow upwards of five weeks for the drugs you work

[ShadowChat]

My mom has had a really great experience with it for many years, but everyone is different; the side effects should pass, but you might want to give your doc a call to make sure they know what’s going on. They’ll tell you what’s normal+will pass versus what isn’t+won’t pass.

[Perimum in reply to ShadowChat]

Thank you!

[Arniestal]

Im on same, yes nausea etc passes. I had terrible headache too. Im about 2 and a half weeks in. Still not long enough to know whether its right med. Hoping for motivation and a bit of a uplift to come back. Good luck.

[Perimum in reply to Arniestal]

Thank you. Cross fingers. Still nauseous and that’s after reducing the dose after doc consult. The drowsiness and brain fog have improved some tho’ ....

[Arniestal in reply to Perimum]

Do you have food with it? If you dont nausea worse.

[Janesarah]

Hi ive just come off venlafaxine it made me worse, never felt panic attacks like it and the sweating was horrendous, the higher the dose the worse i got i hope it works better for you

[Perimum in reply to Janesarah]

Thanks for sharing, it’s does seem quite an aggressive drug. Hope you’ve found a gd alternative.

[Janesarah in reply to Perimum]

Yes I’m back on paroxotine (seroxat) i was on this for 18 years so much better now not perfect but getting there

[Arniestal]

Im on low dose as only started on it. Still in tears so not working for me yet. Going to try it fir 6 weeks 🤞

[Tranquilwaters]

You absolutely CAN take HRT if you have migraines with aura! I have severe hemiplegic migraines, one of the most complex types whicb includes symptoms of not only aura but paralysis down one side of my body and am under the care of an NHS Neurologist. I am also in surgical menopause (ovaries removed) and have and do take HRT successfully. All you need is to make sure you don't take estrogen orally as part of your HRT - that's the only type contraindicated with migraine. A combined patch or gel with seperate Utrogestan would be fine. Don't be fobbed off by your GP, and if they won't budge - either ask to be referred to an NHS menopause clinic or change to another GP. Good luck!💜