Venlafaxine scared to start it

[millymoo1202]

I’ve been prescribed venlafaxine for anxiety, not being able to switch off and also terrible insomnia. Lots going on in life, divorce, moving house etc. I’ve always suffered with anxiety but kept it at bay until now, was on propranolol but need something more. GP also gave me sleeping tabs for 28 days. I’m just worried if I start on these I’ll become addicted and coming off sounds awful. So, I’m really just looking for some helpful advice. GP was awful just dismissed everything I tried to say and said I was defensive, yes you are right I am! All done on phone appointment so tablets are sitting unopened for over a week!

What was it you wanted to say that you felt the GP dismissed? In what way were you being defensive?

Do you think your illness is contributing to you not wanting to take the medication?

I do get it, I had a bad experience of meds at one point in my life and then refused them repeatedly when I really needed them. I ended up in hospital and had no choice but to start taking them. I do understand the hesitation, but if not this medication, what would you like the doctor to do? If there is something else you think could help, you could try speaking to a different doctor. If not, you might find that these meds are exactly what you need.

Venlafaxine is hardcore. I wouldn't touch it.

My husband has been trying to get off it for years.

I would go back and ask for citalopram or sertraline

Thank you for replies, this is what I’m concerned about, surely there is something before this not just straight to something so hardcore. I think I’m going to try to speak to a different GP as just didn’t like his attitude and manner

I'm on venlafaxine. I take a fairly high dose. If there is any question I can answer I'll try.

I would say try it. It's great for anxiety and depression. Unlike so many similar medications, you can stay on it for years without any adverse side affects.
As for coming off it, it has to be done very slowly.
I speak from experience. 12 years on Venlafaxine and 1 year to successfully come off, no problem.

@fantasmasgoria1 I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if you could give me advice on venlafaxine. I am currently on citalopram 30 mg and mirtazapine 15 gm
For anxiety depression and insomnia. Dr thinks citalopram not working for me. I’m still depressed. They would like to refer me back to psychiatrist , he recommended venlafaxine last time .
I’m worried about weight gain. What is your advice please. I’m feeling really lost and empty and losing hope of feeling better.

Venlafaxine doesn’t cause weight gain. I know there are a few horror stories about it, but that is about coming off - it needs to be done gradually. My idiotic GP took me off cold-turkey and I had brain zaps and had the week off work, but it was ok after that. I’m back on them now (very high dose) and have no problem. They work for me, but I must take them diligently and mustn’t miss a day.
Nothing else worked for me, so I’m glad to have tried this.

Thanks , glad to hear it worked for you! And no weight gain! Maybe I will try it. Fed up of feeling really flat

I had no weight gain. Weight loss yes but weight gain no. They helped me sleep. They saved my life tbh

Hi, I know some of this is an old thread but I'm looking for some advice on venlafaxine. I've been prescribed it for awful Pnd which is mainly anxiety and rubbish sleep/too much nervous energy. Crying spells, especially around my period.
Anyway I took one 37.5 slow release pill a couple of weeks back and by the evening time I felt off my face! Like I was having rushes, a bit like an illegal drug. I felt very high! It was OK as my husband was there but I was too scared to take another one on the Monday when I was alone with the kids off my chops. Need to try it again.. But anyone else experienced that reaction? Does is pass? X

@Sunnyscot80 hey, did u continue with the tablet x

I work in a CMHT treating patients alongside psychiatrists and experienced mental health nurses.

I would not take Venlafaxine. I was considering starting it myself so spoke to a few professionals I work with and they all said to avoid it. It can be incredibly painful and difficult to withdraw from, and there are so many other options to try.

I'm now on 100mg sertraline, which I have found excellent for my anxiety and it has lessened my PMDD symptoms considerably (particularly suicidal ideation and hopelessness).

Previously I tried fluoxetine - great for my pure OCD but not great for anxiety. Mirtazapine was AMAZING for my sleep issues, which helped everything else, but I gained so much weight that I had to switch to something else.

A lot of clients have had success with escitalopram.

If you struggle with PMDD, or extreme PMS, please look into how ADHD presents itself in women and see if any of the diagnostic criteria might apply to you. A lot of us who have PMDD also have ADHD (I was diagnosed last week at 33).

@GhostedWife i do believe I have ADHD and I’m on waiting list to get seen but it could take up to 2 years they said. I’ve just came off fluxotine as it was making me suicidal. Citalopram was same. SSRI’s don’t seem to agree. Was prescribed mirtazipine but done research and hated the thought of extreme weight gain and mood swings. Doc then prescribed me Venlafaxine. Meant to start it on Tuesday when fluxotine has fully washed out. I know it sounds dreadful to come off but that seems doable at a very slow pace. So confusing 😌 are u planning to take ADHD medication now?