venlafaxine, just started help

[Blarblarblar]

I've just started taking venlafaxine and I'm feeling shocking. No sleep last night.Cotton wool head, actually feel like I'm on something. Legs just want to stretch and move. Very nauseous. Pins and needles through my head. It's only dose 2. Can anyone advise if they had this and it straightened out.
I've been so reluctant to take anything but it got to a point I needed to admit how bad it was. Called doc today and he said ride it out a bit longer but I'm a proper space cadet in my meetings today I actually stumbled through my work day and probably fucked up a million things.

[Blarblarblar]

Ok. I'm going to try take my running legs to sleep now. I haven't cried/shouted/Thought about trees today but Im sure that's cause I'm trying so hard to walk with the fug around me. Not the meds taking effect.
wheres do you go off them for a while then back or has it been prolonged?

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

Oh, prolonged. I only came off them by accident as I ran out. I have no desire to go off them again, happy to stay on them forever.

Sleep well, let us know tomorrow how you're getting on

[Natsku]

I keep mine in the drawer in my bedside table and keep a bottle of water on the bedside table so as soon as I get up in the morning I take it.

[Clonakilty]

I keep mine in the bathroom next to my toothbrush. That way I can't forget, but I do have a couple of spare tablets in my purse just in case. I can miss one day but that's it. The withdrawal effects kick in after that. I'm on 150mg and it's the only AD that has worked for me. Stick with it if you can.

[dangermouseisace]

might be worthwhile asking if you can start on 37.5mg instead. I started on that amount, and I was in hospital where they are happier to rack things up a bit sooner than outside. Did 37.5 once a day for a few days, then twice a day for a few days, then gradually increased up to 150mg. I never actually noticed any side effects at all and I think it was because it was so gradual- I'd had side effects like you describe when I started Sertraline I remember saying to now ex DH that I felt like I should be a rave with what with the gurning and having to move about! It passed though, after a couple of weeks.

[Blarblarblar]

That's how it feels danger I may have ahem dabbled I my youth and I feel like I am on something. God knows what they thought at work yesterday when I kept cracking my jaw and my legs going up and down non stop.
So this morning a little less fuzzy but still wrong and a bit more sleep last night but still restless so I hope that stops. Struggling to get my ass out the door for work I'm already late could really do with not going but don't want to draw attention to myself, I've been a bit erratic in some of my behaviours recently.

[Blarblarblar]

Don't want to count my chickens but feel like the side effects are decreasing much more functional tonight, balance still a bit off (nearly dropped the baby, he's fine). Was able to eat, not much but didn't feel too sick.
I feel lighter, is it too soon? Am I making that up? I can't believe it could so quickly start to change my mood. I'm even awake at this time of night and not desperate for sleep.

[dangermouseisace]

glad things are going a bit better blarblar. I don't think it's too soon to be feeling any benefit at all. They are fairly quick working.

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

I second that. I'm so pleased to hear you are on the up

[Blarblarblar]

Thank you danger and where I appreciate that and the time you took to reply. My DH and I actually had a wee chuckle watching the Olympics tonight and he was so happy, I've been so hard to live with. I hope so much this helps and I can get fun out of things again.

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

how are you feeling Blarblarblar?

[thymeandtyde]

I've been on venlafaxine for good few months now & have to say, it's working. First 2 weeks were pretty dreadful & can still feel lightheaded etc now. I'm on a pretty high dose (150mg in the morning & 150mg in the eve). Didn't do anything for my sleep so now also take a low dose mirtazapine before bed & that's really helped.
How are you getting on now?

[Blarblarblar]

Hi thy and where. Well I'm feeling "normal" honestly can not believe it has done this can not believe how black I was. My husband says he feels like his wife has come home, he has been living with a stranger who looked like me for months my children seem more content. It's just amazing. The rage and evil thoughts just gone, I can manage the kids, work.
Will they need to be increased will I get used to them?

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

I'm so pleased Blar! I doubt they will need to be increased. Although totally best to ask your doctor when you go for a follow up. And if they do, they do. please keep us posted :)

[Blarblarblar]

That's so kind of you.

I am still really tired after about 8o'clock but struggle to sleep in the middle of the night and do weird massive jaw moving yawns. Anyone else?

[thymeandtyde]

So glad they've started to help. My dr increased the dose several times but the side effects were less than at first. Still get the rather odd jaw clenching but for me, they've been a godsend.

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

Yep, the jaw thing takes a while to subside. I get a lot of enjoyment of having a good 'face stretch' a couple of times a day. Just let your jaw go. Your sleep will sort itself out. Right now your body is adjusting to the meds.

I second thymeandtyde. Before these pills, my life with OCD was a misery.

[cariboo]

I'm now up to 175mg per day; been on it for 4 years after Prozac wasn't quite doing the job anymore. I felt extremely strange at first also but those side effects pass quickly. Good luck & hope you feel better soon.

[Blarblarblar]

I agree they have already changed my life. Everything is clearer, I can't believe I was so resistant to something that has without sounding like a tit, given me my life back.
I can see how detrimental my behaviour has been to everyone around me and I feel terrible I didn't get help sooner.
Have you folks found that it just keeps you level all the time or do you still notice dips?

[orangepudding]

I take venlafaxine too, 300mgs. It really has helped enormously. I found that I would feel good for about a month after the dose increased then dip quite badly. 300mg works well for me, I must admit I do still have 'off' days but nothing like I used to.

[Branleuse]

i think 75mg is quite high for a starting dose. I started off on 37.5. and increased it up gradually

I found venlafaxine to be very good in lots of ways. Im not on it anymore, but was for a few years

[wheresmybloodygreencard]

I do still notice dips, of course. I just remind myself that moods fluctuate normally, take myself off for an early night with a book and the cat and I'm usually ok in a couple of days.

[Blossomblast]

Glad you're over the first side effects! I find it good OP and it helped my mood v quickly but plateud (to a manageable level) after a few months so would recommend keeping up any non medication based things you do to increase well being. I find I get a dip quite quick if I miss tablets which I didn't find on my previous.. Good for me as it reminds me to take it, but not ideal if I forget to get my repeat prescription in time! :0

[2LittleMonkeysJumpingOnMyHead]

Hello. How are you getting on?
I started venlafaxine 3 weeks ago (37.5mg) and came off another AD at the same time. I didn't notice much to start with but I'm now waking up and unable to sleep, the opposite of the sleepy zombie I was before. I have the tense jaw too, so really useful to know that's normal!
As of yesterday I started a second dose, so 37.5mg morning and night. I'm interested in the slow release version, do I just ask my dr for that? I find mornings I can remember but evenings much harder.

[Nancy1920]

I'm 75 years old and was prescribed venlafaxine in July this year at 75mg per day, 37.5mg morning and evening. I have found the side effects very debilitating, my panic attacks were worse and left me feeling low and sad. Luckily I have 4 wonderful children and 3 great sisters who have been so supportive. The dose has been increased to75mg to be taken twice daily and 15mg of mirtazipine to aid sleep at night. I am experiencing more ups than downs now and I'm clinging to the advice of my gp that it will medication does take time, but in my case I feel it's taken longer than the norm, reading the views of other mums . I do feel it's a long road to travel but I think I shall get there eventually.