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

Thankyou for the words of hope xx

Been on Venlafaxine for around 15 years. Brilliant stuff, wouldn’t be without it.

Yes, it will settle but my experience was that I didn't get the full effect until 4 weeks in on 150mg

Can anyone advise as to whether their anxiety got worse before getting better? The doctor has put me down to 75mg now instead of the huge jump to 150mg (I only had one day on this before calling the go)...but today my heart is thumping out of my chest. I just want it to ease up 😥

Yeah mine go worse before getting better.

@Chimpannazee how do you feel now

@Chimpannazee any updates are you still on venelafaxine

I am on venlafaxine. I absolutely love it. My anxiety and depression are pretty much gone and I have loads of energy.

@Itisnotdownonanymap How long did it take to work please

I felt a difference within a couple of days but it was about two weeks before my body got used to it, I felt a bit jittery at first

I have bipolar and in midst of depressive relapse. Next week I begin Venlafaxine having been on 200mg sertraline for ten years. I’m so scared

@Vera87 I’m scared to switch as well. Are you cross tapering or direct switch?
im on citalopram it’s just taken the edge off (12 weeks) keep us updated and good luck xx

@Itisnotdownonanymap thanks for that xx

@Catsservantyes very slowly. I’m on 200mg sertraline have been for years and it’s been generally good but completely sadly relapsed. Next week reduce to 150mg for two weeks then after two weeks introduce Venlafaxine alongside it then in another two weeks reduce sertraline and increase Venlafaxine and do this every two weeks xxx

@Vera87 im hoping i can do a cross taper, i was on Paroxetine and cross tapered to citalopram, can you not do that it’s easier than reducing. Xx