Venlafaxine and psychiatric referral - worried/scared

[samanthajonespr]

I've been on anti depressants for 4 years and not found one that suited me, either my depression got worse or a bit better with loads of side effects. I've tried citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and venlafaxine. I've had CBT and have been tackling the root cause but I'm not ready to be without medication yet. I'm now on the max dose of 375mg of Venlafaxine and have been told by my GP that she can no longer help me if this doesn't work (it isn't working). She will then be putting a psychiatric referral.

Does anybody have any experience of the next step? Was it successful? Did you find a medication or combination of medication that finally worked? Is there something wrong with me because the meds aren't working?

GP is a general practitioner and is referring you to mental health specialists
It’s a good idea as the GP is recognised their limits
If u are accepted by psychiatry they will assess you and suggest the most effective treatments for you, nothing to worry about, it’s about getting expert opinion

Thank you @Schmoozer, it's new for me and it just sounds really big. My parents are sort of disbelieving and "why on earth do you need a psychiatric evaluation? It's just depression". It started as PND after having my eldest and it's been a huge part of my life for nearly 5 years now

There are other antidepressants that can be tried. A psychiatrist will be much better placed to know what drugs or combination of drugs might help - it's not a big deal.

Hopefully your referral will come through quickly.

Just depression is still a serious illness
As you say it’s been your experience for 5 years
Psychiatry will be able to assess and treat more effectively than GP
Go for it !

@dane8 totally agree that Venlafaxine is a bastard. Things improved a bit when I went onto the prolonged release tablets, but if I'm late taking my dose, withdrawal starts to kick in and I get all fizzy and weird. Really not looking forward to coming off it. It really isn't working.