Venlafaxine

[totters]

I have a severe depression episode. A psychiatrist has recommended Venlafaxine but I am scared by reading side effect and withdrawal symptoms, as I suffer from glaucoma and high blood pressure.

Any thoughts?

[Hidden]

Hi I doubt whether your psychiatrist would have recommended this unless s/he doesn't know your medical history. If in doubt why don't you ask your doctor? Or a pharmacist?

It's important to remember that all ad's have side effects and can have withdrawal symptoms too but unless you are very unlucky you won't suffer from severe side effects. When you come off them it is usually under the supervision of a medical professional to limit any withdrawal symptoms.

It is up to you of course if you would rather try the self help route. Are you having any counselling? x

[totters in reply to Hidden]

Thanks,

yes, having some therapy, thinking of cbt as well

[Gambit62]

hi totters - just had a look through the list of side effects etc

drugs.com/venlafaxine.html

it appears to be contra-indicated if you have uncontrolled narrow-angled glaucoma.

Do you know exactly what form of glaucoma you have and whether it is under control?

Did you speak to the psychiatrist directly or has everything been done through the GP. In either case I'd suggest talking through with your GP and/or the psychiatrist before you take the medication.

There are a lot of other SSRI's out there that might be more suitable under the circumstances.

If you can't get hold of the GP/psychiatrist to talk things through then suggest that you talk to a dispensing pharmacist in the mean time.

[totters in reply to Gambit62]

thank you, not narrow angled so will chat to GP

[Gambit62 in reply to totters]

sounds as if you should be okay then - as coughalot says things have all sorts of side-effects and for many people none actually apply - but talking things through with the GP does sound like a good idea anyway

[Hidden]

Your GP would have given thought to the best medication for your condition so I would suggest yo run with His/Her advice. Regards glaucoma, are you getting an operation soon ?.

Do you feel the need someone to help you in any way, your GP could put you in contact with a helper, there are also charities who may be able to help as you gain confidence with medications.

B

[BilboBaggins16]

I have experienced this that Effexor CAN BUT NOT ALWAYS present withdrawal symptoms. A fellow patient in an acute detox environment was, as I think is as a number i.e. 75mg of pellets in a capsule. He was having three pellets reduced within an agreed rate, as you need to study the NHS constitution to understand your rights as a patient in this environment.

Just the highlights will do and with that you can address your problems in collaboration with doctor, primary, secondary care Psychiatrist as both can prescribe.

Please let me know your concerns and dosage then as both a patient and as an academic researcher am able to help you to approach your concerns.

BilboBaggins16

[BilboBaggins16]

Physiologically everyone's different and hence with Psychiatry/Psychological problems it is not accurate and frequently may work or not until they find the preparation that is ideal for yourself. I would ask for the information regarding the benefits and the less appealing conditions/side effects. So it may help but it is dependent upon how you react to them. SSRI's are a usual first line, but personally they never worked on myself. I recommend speaking to a psychiatrist as GP's are not as well medically trained as psychiatrists are.

So think about what your associates are saying and perhaps ask for a referral to a psychiatrist if you think or feel that you would like a second opinion. They would be able to advise and recommend a solution based on your history.

They would not put you in harms way and have the best training in the field, I would recommend that you concurrently see a Psychologist as they approach the problems you have without medications, the best solution. Though initially a medication should be prescribed if required in the interim between advising of the problem to being able to cope, at an acceptable level, without medications.

Please remember that anti-depressants normally take 3 - 4 weeks to work, and can have adverse symptoms that will pass but they are not a guarantee. Don't worry yourself because you can choose or ask for an alternative so it's only with your consent that you take anything.

Good Luck

[totters]

thank you all

[dozymoomin]

I am on venlafaxine, it works well for keeping my moods more stable but the withdrawal symptoms are very harsh so you must take it when you have to. I struggled to take it twice a day as I don't really have a strong routine so I would forget easily, so I asked to try a longer lasting dose that I only have to take once a day which has made it easier for me to remember.

The withdrawal symptoms can kick in very quickly even just after a day of missing taking it so make sure you get your prescription in time. I tend to get very dizzy and feel a bit faint, walking around almost like I am drunk. It's not very nice! The only reason I am on venlafaxine is because I have tried a few other types of anti-depressant and they didn't work for me, so I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about different medication options first.

[totters in reply to dozymoomin]

Thank you

[millymolly3]

Hi, I am on this also and it has really helped me but I was only given this after others no longer worked for me. I am aware it will be potentially more difficult to come off but I would not have got through the last few months without it. I did not have many side effects when I started taking it but If I miss a dose it can make me feel awful (headache, dizzy etc).

[totters in reply to millymolly3]

Thank you, my psychiatrist wants me to do a daily increase, up to 225mg which seems pretty high

[millymolly3 in reply to totters]

I'm currently on 75mgs and my GP says he might increase the dose soon. I am sure the psychiatrist knows what they are doing, they are the experts. You are lucky in one way as you have been referred. I have suffered from severe depression for ten years and have tried counselling, CBT, numerous anti depressants, been seen by CRISIS etc but never seen a psychiatrist! I hope the Venlaflaxine works for you

[totters in reply to millymolly3]

thank you! and good fortune to you I hope