Venlafaxine - help!

[Huhn]

I’ve been prescribed venlafaxine and read the previous posts on it on here.
I have OCD which has only finally been diagnosed and makes so much more sense than just general anxiety. I’ve been on and off SSRIs since I was 16. I’ve tried them all and never found them to help. The worst was sertraline which I’m convinced ruined my metabolism. I went from 8 stone to 10.5 stone in 3 months. That was 5 years ago, I’m now 26.

I received amazing therapy on NHS to help me cope with intrusive thoughts, the issue I had was the intensity meant I couldn’t stop myself from doing the obsession to alleviate my panic. So I spoke to a MH nurse who advised the doctor prescribe me Venlafaxine.

I am on 75mg prolonged release. I had my first one last night and took it before bed.

I woke up at 4am restless. I couldn’t sleep. My mouth is so dry, my head is aching, I feel sick and my chest is tight. I also feel shivery or really hot. I keep feeling like my brain is vibrating or something? I also really want to clench my jaw a lot.

I really don’t want to take the next dose. I’m not sure what to do? I know that it should settle after a few weeks but I’m not sure I felt bad enough to experience these feelings which feel just as shit.

Anyone?

This will soon wear off
I'm taking 110 mg twice a day
It's good
I've been using it for about four years
My dose changes depending on how I'm doing ...

If I forget to take them ...within a couple hours I feel woozy...and odd .
I keep a few at work ...locked in a cabinet just incase.

You'll adjust to it, they do give you dodgy side effects for a few weeks.

Venlafaxine is the best thing ever. A few years ago I barely used to leave my house and had panic attacks every time I was in a crowded place. Now I've learned to drive and almost feel like a normal human.

I had this but soon adapted to it.
I take 37.5mg twice a day.
I also hated sertraline, felt like I was poisened. Took months to come off it.

This one seems diff..... I don't feel that more upbeat feeling I got with ssris but am calmer and consistent on it.

I couldn't get on with venlafaxine for the reasons you state, then they tried adding in another drug to lessen the side effects ( maybe procyclidine) but it made the head thing and the jaw thing even worse. Eventually they put me on sertraline instead which I have happily been on for years. I hope your side effects stop very soon

Thanks everyone. I was on sertraline and went from 8 stone to 10.5 stone in 3 months! I still blame it for long term metabolic issues. It made me so depressed because I’m very body image conscious.

This is kind of my last ditch attempt. I feel like I don’t need a constant drug, but instead one drug for when my thoughts are intense. I want diazepam so I can just immediately chill, but I know that won’t happen!

I spoke to a pharmacist who told me to stop and consult doctor. I didn’t take it last night and felt immediately better today.

I am very, very overweight. I don't eat constantly, but nobody will agree that my meds have caused it.

I'm glad you feel better today.

Venlafaxine was my last option before lithium. I’m just ultra sensitive to side effects. I’ve been through all of them.

I started on 35.7 mg.

It was the smoothest and easiest one I’ve ever taken ( taken about 14) Felt a lift straight away, and just felt a bit bleak weeks 3 and 4. Upped to 75mg and no side effects at all.

Feel really happy and content. Anxiety almost gone, but maybe l will have to raise the dose. I use melatonin for sleep

Stick with it. It’s one of the best imo

Also take it in the morning.