Venlafaxine

[72WayTooCool]

I'm 49 and had a hysterectomy last year after a shock endometrial cancer diagnosis. My consultant is very reluctant to consider HRT and has suggested Venlafaxine instead. I understand it's an anti depressant which I've specifically said I do not want. However I have struggled recently with concentration and brain fog to the point where I had a breakdown at work and very nearly jacked it in. Has anyone had any positive experiences of non-HRT drugs? I'm tempted to ask for a second opinion, as sadly there is no NHS menopause clinic within 150 miles of where I live.

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

You might want to do some research yourself. I did read something online a week or so ago about this (sorry I can't remember where) but I am pretty sure that the guidance on HRT is that it's fine for women who have had early stage 1 endometrial cancer that has been removed.

There are many expert meno gynaes out there- some working by video as far as possible as they are also surgeons so reducing Covid risks- and they would help you.

I took this for two years for anxiety and panic attacks and it was a life saver.

I have menopausal symptoms and take this drug, have done so now for a couple of years. It didn't help me with any of the symptoms and it's taken me a year to get back down to a minimum dose as the side effects of it are as bad or worse than the menopause.

I was prescribed this because although I didn't feel depressed I was"tired & wired"& always had a sense of dread.
It helped me to sleep at night & also gave be a bit more energy.I'm on it over 3years & also started HRT 4 months ago.Since I started HRT I no longer need an afternoon nap.

I'm 44 & can't see myself coming off it anytime soon.

@LukeDogWalker what side effects did you have? I'm worried about weight gain, less libido than I have now already non-existent and trouble sleeping.

I mainly experience extreme dizziness and nausea if I haven't taken the minimum dose. It's like moving your eyes makes the world spin round! I haven't found sleeping difficult so that's a plus x

If you do go down the Venlafaxine route then do discuss the contra indications with your GP before using it. Also once you start it never miss a dose as it has awful effects if you don’t take it regularly. Once you decide to come off it do so under guidance from your GP and follow it to the letter. It’s very good for depression and some menopausal issues but is an incredibly addictive drug.

I would get a consultation with a different menopausal expert on the risks of HRT for you.

It's helped me sleep & fall back asleep if I woke during the night.I think this was because I was less anxious

No problems with libido.

I take it and have had to accept that I will probably be on it for life because it is a complete and utter nightmare to come off it. If it was possible to avoid taking it I really would. I needed it for PND and it has been great in that context but I'd be wary of taking it for any other purpose. There is a Venlafaxine withdrawal support thread on here and I suggest having a look at that.

Interesting,how do I find that support thread?Nothing comes up when I key it in?

THread is here

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/feeling_depressed/4315332-My-Venlafaxine-withdrawal-diary?msgid=109933139#109933139

I started on this for OCD.

I couldn’t last 1 day. The sleeplessness, haze, felt like my body was vibrating. I couldn’t cope. Then in the end, I moved to something else.

A huge side effect is that if you stop taking it for one day you begin withdrawals and it’s nasty - vomiting, shakes etc

I took a different SNRI when I was coincidentally in a medical menopause for endometriosis. I know it's different for everyone but the side effects were terrible - I took it for 5 weeks and I basically spent 5 weeks lying on the sofa. I had terrible shakes, plus dizziness, sweating and chills like I had flu. These are pretty strong meds and I'd be looking for a meno specialist/second opinion if you can.

Thanks for the link

I've been away for the weekend and have just read the replies. I'm definitely concerned about the withdrawal side effects now, they sound quite scary. I'm not getting anywhere with my oncologist in terms of HRT and NHS menopause specialists are non-existent where I live. I do have the cash to go privately so that may be an option.