I take 225mg Venlafaxine Modified Release daily - that's 1 x 75mg capsule, & 1 x 150mg capsule.
I've taken them since September 2010. I had tried the top doses of both Citalopram & Sertraline first. My Psychiatrist wants me to stay on Venlafaxine now.
I have a diagnosis of Chronic (Recurrent) Major Depressive Disorder - obviously there are various types & causes of Depression.
On Monday: phone or email your GP surgery & ask the receptionist to send a message to your GP as you would like a new prescripton asap for Modified Release Venlafaxine.
If the GP agrees then do check that on your new prescription: the Dr has written 'M/R', & has specified that you should be given 'tablets' OR 'capsules'.
Your GP must then always give you exactly the same repeat prescription each time.
Your GP must specify tablets OR capsules, (even if your GP doesn't want you to take the M/R version).
They must not change this, because tablets & capsules are made with varying binding agents which can affect the way your meds are absorbed.
If your pharmacist wants to give you a different brand of Venlafaxine to your usual brand then you must check the ingredients are exactly the same as your usual brand - that's important for all psychiatric & neurological meds.
Venlafaxine is an expensive drug - the tablets are cheaper than the capsules; but if you start off with capsules then they must not change the prescription.
IF your GP refuses to prescribe the M/R version then ask WHY - if they can't give a good medical reason then ask if it's for cost reasons.
Say that your compliance & quality of life (use those exact words) will improve as the side effects will be less of a problem with M/R.
PS. NEVER be tempted to buy meds from the internet (you probably know that anyway).
SIDE EFFECTS:
In Sept 2010 i was on high dose anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) as well that had very bad side effects (drowsiness, tremor, constant hunger, indigestion, dizziness, memory loss, hair loss etc.) - i'm now on new AEDs with minimal side effects.
The side effects that i do know were caused by the Venlafaxine were: permanently dilated pupils, increased sensitivity to light, a lower seizure threshold (means that despite top dose AEDs - i still get some small seizures).
I was so spaced out on AEDs that i honestly can't say if the Venlafaxine contributed to that - maybe it did, who knows?
You shouldn't have problems with a lowered seizure threshold as you aren't epileptic.
The dilated pupils cause light sensitivity, so it's good to wear dark sunglasses outside in the sun if you don't already.
I had an eye test, & needed glasses, but that could just be because i hadn't had an eye test for 10 years.
I bought 'transitions' lenses for my prescription glasses - the lenses get darker in bright light & that helps.
In Feb 2011 - the optician said that my pupils were fully dilated & not reacting to light.
In Feb 2012 - he said that my pupils react to light 'a third' of the way they should do & that's an improvement.
I get very itchy skin but the AEDs have also caused that. I wear extra moisturising body lotion & face cream which helps a bit; but really the itching is from inside. I just learnt to distract myself from it.
I also get vivid dreams & nightmares that are like hallucinations - but that could also be due to the AEDs & to the epilepsy.
EFFECTIVENESS:
I would say that it took approx 12 weeks for the Venlafaxine to 'pick me up' from feeling very depressed. Many Anti-Depressants take 8 - 12 weeks to work properly, & it can take at least that long for the worst side effects to wear off. ALL these meds have side effects & you have to expect it.
The Psychiatrist says that no Anti-Depressants 'cure' Depression - but they keep from constant Depression & pick you up enough to carry on with daily living.
To be honest: before the Venlafaxine started working i could barely move, not even to get a glass of water. I couldn't even cry, I was that depressed. I had NO energy to live but not enough energy to die either.
The depressive periods that i get now never last more than 2 weeks (sometimes just hours). Also my low mood does lift a bit & vary during the depressive period.
I do still get suicidal & self-harm but that passes off quickly compared to before.
I now have the energy & will to keep fighting the depression & other mental health problems.