Failing as a mum and venalflaxine.

[AnxiousPixie]

I've been struggling for a while now. I have ptsd from a bad birth so get really bad anxiety. I've managed previously with visits to a therapist, exercise, mindfulness etc. But I've been getting really low and at the weekend I broke down. I feel like a failure as a mum cause all my kids are getting at the moment is frustration and my guilt that I'm doing crap.

I've resisted drugs up to now but I have to do something before my kids start to hate me. Finally plucked up the courage to call the docs and she had given me venalflaxine but I'm really nervous to start as I've heard so many bad things.

So, I'm hoping mumsnetters might have some positive stories to tell me instead of the horror stories I have read. I should just get a grip for my kids and get it down me right??

😢

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster. Didn't want to read and run. I don't have kids but have taken Venlafaxine in the past.

Really it is fine. If you have been quite low, it can make you feel full of beans at the beginning, bear with it as it takes a few weeks to level out. I found it the most helpful of the meds I took (have also tried Citalopram and Fluoxetine), as it can help with both anxiety and depression.

One word of warning, be careful to make sure you take your dose every day and never just stop taking it - do it with medical supervision. Suddenly coming off it results in what I can only describe as 'brain zaps', these short (2-second) periods where you feel funny, like you stood up too quickly. It's caused by coming off the meds too fast.

On another note, I can tell you your kids do not hate you. I also thought everyone hated me when I was at my lowest. It's very easy to get caught in the cycle - low because you feel everyone is against you, then reacting to people because you feel low. You have to be kind to yourself and remember they do not see you the way you are looking at yourself, you will be your worst critic. Take each day as it comes, you will find that it does get easier.

Sorry you've had no replies so far!

I've been on venlaflaxine quite a few times over the years and have never had any problems and I've never heard any horror stories either.

I approach my mental health treatment as I would a physical one ( I have diabetes so I need to take meds daily, which I do) and I don't really understand the reluctance to take antidepressants. Admittedly they take about 3-4 weeks to kick in, but once they have you'll feel so much better. Why wouldn't you take them?

Good luck

Just to echo what previous posters have said- it's a good drug, but take it at the same time every day and don't forget.

I've been on Venlafaxine and prozac in the past for severe anxiety. Been on Citalopram for the last few years, I've found that it works the best.
Any SSRI takes time to kick in and you may initially feel worse, but it will work.
Downsides for me - increased appetite /weight gain /loss of sexual interest.

Upside - anxiety much reduced, its still there but I can cope with that - much more level moods.

Good luck op!

My lovely wife has long term depression, tries other ADs and has me to tell you that Venlaflaxine saved her life!

It really has enabled her to make changes and to feel a sense of normality. She used to be overwhelmed by life and now she copes really well.
She also felt well enough to fully commit to the therapy she had formerly struggled with.
She didn't have much trouble getting used to it iyswim.

Good luck I hope it works as well for you.

Thank you. I was reluctant not because of any stigma, couldn't care less about that but because I have seen people have bad side effects on them and go through hell coming off them

I do need them though, the other solutions just aren't enough on their own at the moment

Took my first dose this morning. Fingers crossed it helps me.

I got no benefit from other ADs, but venlafaxine worked incredibly well and hardly any side effects. Everyone is different, and will react differently. So don't be scared of it, try it and keep in touch with your Dr to monitor any side effects.

I take it.

Lots of positives, side effects are weight gain (but I can’t know for sure if it caused it!), lack of sex drive and no orgasms (big downside!!).

Thanks so much for all your replies. I really hope it works for me.