Increase Venlafaxine dose?

[Teddy16]

Hi

I’ve been on Venlafaxine for about 2 and a half years, 125mg a day. I’m ok on it I think but I’m considering seeing me GP to explore upping my dose. When I first started on this the side effects were horrendous so I’m not keen to. I was always ok coming off and starting citalopram and I sort of regret starting Venlafaxine as I feel stuck on it. Even if I’m a few hours late with my dose the withdrawal symptoms kick in. I once missed 2 days as I was away with work and forgot my meds and it was really really bad! I’m pretty tough but it was frightening. Mega brain zaps and my balance went.

Anyway. My gps always say.. it’s up to me with regard to med changes or dose. They just don’t know. So it’s hard to tell. Since the clocks changed I’ve been crying more and feeling less joy and that life isn’t worth living. I can tell my symptoms are creeping back in. I really try and look after myself. I don’t drink, I have hobbies and friends. I exercise and hold down a job. I feel better as the day goes on but the mornings are awful. So much anxiety and depression. Does anyone else experience this? I don’t want to have to continue to live like this as it’s so hard and there must be something I can do? Like I say, I practice a lot of well-being but I really think it’s time to explore an increased dose of Venlafaxine. Or maybe taking it at a different time of day? Currently I take it in the morning.

Any thoughts welcome as like I say the docs just don’t know!

[OK1969]

Hi, I've been on Venlafaxine (Effexor) for much longer. I was on one capsule a day (the minimum) until a few weeks ago and then my GP upped to three capsules/day. Now I take 225mg/day. As soon as I took my forst 3 capsules the only negative factor I've had was to have a metallic taste in my mouth for at least 4 days but then it went away. I think it is working for me.

[Teddy16 in reply to OK1969]

Thanks! I think I’ll try upping my dose and take it from there! Hopefully won’t get horrible side effects!

[Dolphin14]

Beautiful picture

I've been on 225 mg for a couple of years. No problems with it

[Teddy16 in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you!

[Moose24 in reply to Teddy16]

Try not to miss a dose because if I do I get head zaps that are really annoying. I don’t know if that’s common or not.