Posted , 5 users are following.
I have been taking Venlafaxine for 15 years. I have increased the dose (by GP) over these years, I am now taking 267.5 grams. (150 + 75 + 37.5).
I feel so depressed and anxious although I am going through the menopause (which is awful - been going through this for 10 yrs!) still get very, very slight periods.
What can I do?
0 likes, 5 replies
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Purpledobermann gillian1900
Posted
Hi Gillian. Can you possibly ask to be referred to a psychiatrist? GPs should not be tampering with these above average doses of any psychotropic medication. You should have felt a lot better long ago. Menopause certainly doesn't help but you should be able to get sufficient relief from anxiety/depression meanwhile. And it doesn't sound like Venlafaxine is doing it for you. It's been far too long, 15 years...Any chance forf a referral?
phyllisj gillian1900
Posted
Hey Gillian, absolutely everything Purpledobermam said. GP's shouldn't be messing with an over average dose. They can reduce if they feel you're stable and you want to reduce but changes are all supposed to go through a psychiatrist, or that's how it works with my local health board. Incidentally I've been told by several doctors that ven is used to control menopausal symptoms particularly sweats.... well that's a joke, I keep deodorant companies in business because of ven induced sweating.
jacqueline69942 phyllisj
Posted
jacqueline69942 gillian1900
Posted
I went on Venllfaxine because of menopause. I was fine until menopause. I got very nervous and anxious and scared of things...Scared of stupid things. The doctor put me on Venlafaxine and I am fine..Have been fine since I started taking it....I sweat terribly on this drug so I want to get off it it..I found out on this forum that all my constant sweating is caused by Venlafaxine...Who knew???? But I have read the withdrawal symptoms are unbearable, so I don't know what to do...I don't think I can help you because my depression, etc. went away when I started Ven 12 years ago...
RickHants gillian1900
Posted
Try adding 15 or 30mg of Mirtazapine to the Venlafaxine. The two drugs complement each other well, resulting in improved response to depression. So much so that the two together are nicknamed "California rocket fuel".