How long before venlafaxin works

Posted , 5 users are following.

I was on 75mg tables (modified release venlafaxin) for 4 weeks, then psyc increased to 150mg for 5 wks, and now have been prescribed 125mg and have taken that dose for one week, my anxiety has increased and I can not stay awake (I suffer winter depression so not sure how much tiredness is medication or SAD or both. My depression has not improved yet but going to stick it out as hear that venlafaxin can take time to work? Is that correct? I was on citalopram for 20 years but it stopped working, i carried on taking it for years even though it was not working. When it did work it was great and got me out of a deep dark depression I had had for years. When will venlafaxin kick in???

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello Pamela70087 Venlafaxine like any other tablet can take a while to work. I've been on this tablet myself for 5 month's this month, and no improvement, but only worsened depression almost like i gaze go into a trance of nothing!!! And increased anxiety tbh. I'm trying to taper of this tablet due to the medication not working for me, and side-effects are ridiculous. I'm always sleeping on it more than i ever did, the more you fight staying awake the more tired 😫 you got, almost to the extent it feels like you haven't slept in weeks.

    • Posted

      Thankyou Christina, your comments are very helpful, i am so glad I have found this forum. I will give thr 225mg a bit longer, then if no improvement will talk to my phsy. I know what you mean about fighting to stay awake, it's awful and not seeing any improvement is worse. Thankyou for your advice.

    • Posted

      Hi pam has it worked for your anxiety? I'm due to cross tapered from sertraline to venlafaxine in a couple of weeks and I get really worked up about trying a new drug, sertraline isnt doing anything for me I've been on it since October because my citalopram stopped working after 7 years but I got really horrendous side effects when it stopped working I'm still recovering. I hope venlafaxine works for you Pam x

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