Venlafaxine success stories-treatment resistant depression

[Chimpannazee]

Hi everyone
I just wondered if anyone had any stories of success with Venlaxafine? I am struggling badly with depression and anxiety, have done on and off for most of my life really but it’s taken turn these last few months due to outside events and nothing else seems to work after trying a variety of other antidepressants over the years.
I know the withdrawal effects aren’t good. But in all honesty if it works for me I won’t have any intention of coming off if it makes me feel better than the hole I’m in at the moment. Any stories greatly received xx

Did you find that you had tried lots of other antidepressants before venlaxafine? I’m so scared that nothing is going to work for me because I feel like I’ve tried so many 😥

Op it's been so long since I started that I can't remember how long it takes to kick in, sorry.

Oh I'd been on citalopram before but venlafaxine is the mutts nuts

Can you tell I’m desperate to feel better 😂. I am only on 37.5mg at the moment so I’m guessing it will take time to work my way up. Gosh I feel for all of us who have to struggle with this every day. Sending love to all of you xx

How are you feeling today OP?

I find it great for depression / anxiety combined . You may not need to go above 37.5 - it is enough for me !
I was on the XR ones and they wiped me too much so went on to sertraline but no good for my anxiety !. Now I’m on the normal ven (not slow release )
Do not let the withdrawal stories put you off . I withdrew very slowly and was OK !
Constipation affects me but this may not affect everyone and can be easily overcome if needed !
All the best x

I’m struggling 😥 I just really hope they start to kick in soon

My young adult DS was prescribed venlafaxine recently and is currently taking 37.5mg daily to treat depression/anxiety. First week he was very, very low - but then since then things have slowly improved and he is now better than I have seen him in a long time.

FWIW, he has ASD/ADHD and had not tried any other anti-depressants before (mental health challenges have only really spiralled in last 12-18m or so) but venlafaxine was recommended by his clinical lead as the best 'fit' with the atomoxetine he also takes for ADHD.

I hope you feel better soon OP . It's heartening to read the positive venlafaxine stories on here.

So I have had my dosage increased to 150mg today by the doctor. I am on day 5 after being on 37.5 daily and after taking one of the 75mg tablets (I have to take two a day morning and night) my heart is thumping out of my chest. Would you say they just haven’t kicked in yet..I guess I have to give it time right 😥

That’s a big jump.

Normally you start on 35. 2 weeks go to 75. 2 weeks gi to 110 etc etc.

I thought so too…

I went straight on to 150 and then after a month up to 225 which I've been on for over 4 years now. In fact I had my medication review today and they suggested considering reducing my dose and I told them absolutely not!
Hang in there OP it will get better

Did you struggle with side effects to start with? I’m currently sat here with the worst anxiety 😥 gosh I just want to feel better xx

@Chimpannazee is everything still feeling the same?

I just feel so horrible today. I felt a little bit calmer yesterday and now I am frozen with anxiety again 😥

Did they not give diazapam to take with it?

No just this on its own …

Give it time OP. 37.5mg to 150mg is a huge jump and I would have gone slower, but clinical wisdom is that 150mg a day is the minimum dose for it to have an effect.

I have quite possibly tried every other AD on the market since age 20 or so. They will prise my Venlafaxine from my cold, dead hands!

I was in 75 and it worked great. That’s the maintenance dose.

Thankyou for keeping a check..i just want to feel better. The anxiety I’m feeling is having such a physical impact on my body (numb left side etc all checked and clear) it’s just awful I need a break from it so that I can rest xx

Contact your prescriber and say the anxiety is horrible. Ask for diazapam.

Yes, diazepam is a good shout. I am “allowed” 10 x 2mg tablets per month. It’s v difficult to get a GP to prescribe benzodiazepines though - psychiatrists do so more willingly, ime.

Gosh does this eventually settle?

I’ve been long term on it. Once tried to come off. I have other medication and the idea was take out not necessary in case I need others added. it but depression was coming back and brain zaps.
Happy to stay long term with sleeping tablets as it makes me insomniac

Yes, ime. In fact Venlafaxine is good for GAD as well as depression. (Again, I’m just repeating what the psych told me, but it’s a game changer). Hang in there.