Is Venlafaxine safe

Dolly353 · 2025-05-06T13:42:15+00:00

I've been on several different antidepressants (in UK) and am currently taking 50mg sertraline but because of the weight gain my doctor suggested trying venlafaxine 37.5 twice a day. I'm really worried about taking it as I've read alot of worrying reviews Does anyone have any experiences on it and did it cause weight gain or any bad side effects ?

Ramblingaway · 06/05/2025 18:53

I've been taking it for 25 years and I'm still alive if that helps. The only significant side effect is if I miss a couple of doses I feel a bit seasick. Also, it slightly raises my heart rate, but I get the occasional ECG and it seems to be fine.

neighbours123 · 06/05/2025 19:06

It’s the only antidepressant that works for me. 225mg+ it works as an SNRI. That said, it does numb me emotionally and I have always had side effects with it. I’ve done two stints on it in the last four years.

Some people find the withdrawal awful. I found it tough, but not as bad as some said. I tend to taper down from 225mg to 150mg over a week, then to 75mg, then half them to 37.5mg for a week then every other day of that for a week then nothing. It’s only when going to nothing I found it more tough. Mental health worse for a few weeks, but then level back out. For me it’s not a long term drug because the side effects bothered me too much (mostly the getting hot really quickly this last time, and feeling emotionally numb). The numbness is helpful for a bit but then I felt like I needed to come of it to confront some things.

It can be a great drug if it suits you. Like I say, it’s the only one that’s worked for me and I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t have it again, if I get that low I will consider it.

Jenkibuble · 07/05/2025 18:22

neighbours123 · 06/05/2025 19:06

It’s the only antidepressant that works for me. 225mg+ it works as an SNRI. That said, it does numb me emotionally and I have always had side effects with it. I’ve done two stints on it in the last four years.

Some people find the withdrawal awful. I found it tough, but not as bad as some said. I tend to taper down from 225mg to 150mg over a week, then to 75mg, then half them to 37.5mg for a week then every other day of that for a week then nothing. It’s only when going to nothing I found it more tough. Mental health worse for a few weeks, but then level back out. For me it’s not a long term drug because the side effects bothered me too much (mostly the getting hot really quickly this last time, and feeling emotionally numb). The numbness is helpful for a bit but then I felt like I needed to come of it to confront some things.

It can be a great drug if it suits you. Like I say, it’s the only one that’s worked for me and I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t have it again, if I get that low I will consider it.

I agree - you need to taper off them SLOWLY. I came off 37.5 extended release by opening the capsule and removing one of the beads . So I did 3 weeks on 25mg, then 3 weeks on 12.5 and then nothing!

Jenkibuble · 07/05/2025 18:23

Jenkibuble · 07/05/2025 18:22

I agree - you need to taper off them SLOWLY. I came off 37.5 extended release by opening the capsule and removing one of the beads . So I did 3 weeks on 25mg, then 3 weeks on 12.5 and then nothing!

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That said, they really helped with my depression / anxiety combo. Far better thn sertraline. I have gone back on them but the normal not XR as they wiped me too much