Venaflaxine 225mg not working? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Twinklstar]

Hello,

I was on citalopram 30mg for anxiety for nearly 10 years. During the last year of taking citalopram, the dose was increased to 40mg. It wasn't working, my anxiety was through the roof. I suspect perimenopause has something to do with it - I'm 41, night sweats, brain fog, cycle between 20 to 31 days instead of 24 to 28, insomnia, anxiety ramped up.

5 months ago my GP wanted me to change antidepressants to venaflaxine. I have upped my dose every 4 weeks and have now been on 225 mg for about 8 weeks as they wanted me to try it for longer.

I have had a couple of days and parts of days feeling 'normal' But anxiety is very much present much of the time - is the venaflaxine 225mg not working? The GP doesn't want me to go up to the maximum dose of 375mg due to NICE guidance.

I have asked about HRT, as the anxiety is particularly ramped up in 2nd half of cycle.

Where do I go next? Try a second opinion or go private? 🤷🏼‍♀️ I'm currently not able to work because of how unwell I feel with the anxiety.

Any thoughts appreciated, I often read through threads looking for similar experiences

I’m on 300mg Venlafaxine MR. Maybe you just need more. But I take it for depression (I have Schizoaffective disorder which includes depression). I didn’t know you could take it for anxiety.

There’s definitely no harm in trying HRT if you’re peri. I started it at 47 2 years ago as I was going quite crazy following my mums death & it’s helped a bit.

My friend who has anxiety takes Sertraline & also Propanolol as required. Not sure if you’ve tried those?

You could pair it with a mood stabiliser like questions? Speak to your doctor about what’s going on, there might be a deeper cause

Thanks for your replies @imogena and @surprisebaby12 I think that's why my GP didn't want me to go on a higher dose as my dose is the highest for anxiety symptoms.

I have tried fluoxetine, before citalopram and had no luck so she suggested not to try another SSRI. Has anyone tried multiple SSRIs?

I haven't heard of a mood stabiliser, I will ask my GP at my next appointment