Increase Venlafaxine dose?: Hi I’ve been on... - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

53,525 members49,382 posts

Increase Venlafaxine dose?

Teddy16 profile image
5 Replies

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!

Written by
Teddy16 profile image
Teddy16
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
OK1969 profile image
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 profile image
Teddy16 in reply toOK1969

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

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

Beautiful picture

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

Teddy16 profile image
Teddy16 in reply toDolphin14

Thank you!

Moose24 profile image
Moose24 in reply toTeddy16

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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Reducing venlafaxine after 20 years

I asked my doctor if I could reduce my venlafaxine I’ve been on it 20 years and I think I’m ready...
Natsteveo profile image

health anxiety coming back after being weened off venlafaxine

morning guys Well I’ve been really good for the last year not had as many problems with my...
Natsteveo profile image

Venlafaxine anxiety

Hi 👋🏻 Just looking for some insight into venlafaxine, I started on 37.5mg for severe Anxiety,...
PamMirt27 profile image

Anybody on venlafaxine?

I've taking venlafaxine twice a day now for 3 years, but I find after 10 hours after taking my...
Pamdon81 profile image

New to venlafaxine

I was on sertraline for 5 months but did not do much so a pyschartrist recommend i should be on...
Pamdon81 profile image

Moderation team

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner
Bethishere profile image
BethisherePartner

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.