I think effexor is causing me BIG issues im ill

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31 year old male i started taking antidepressants at 22. first one was celexa which worked good for about 5 years than i had to renew my prescription one time and i went to this walk in clinic doctor who said i could also try venlafaxine and i said OK because celexa was sorta losing its effect. so i just switched to effexor i was 26 years old at that time and i didnt notice any improvement it felt the same to me as celexa so i continued taking it. now im 31 currently on 225MG of effexor and my depression and anxiety and OCD is very bad i cant leave the house. im getting bad heartburn, breathing issues and shortness of breath after eating carbs especially junk foods or pizzas and same thing if i drink sugary drinks like fruit juices. within 10 minutes ill start getting these symptoms along with feeling very lightheaded like im going to passout. i find it harder to breathe laying down the worst part is ive had blood tests numerouse times and EKG's all which say im ok. i notice that whenever i miss a dose of effexor my breathing is better and once i take it again i get these symtoms. i know people have gone up to over 300MG on effexor but im starting to think 225mg is WAY to much for me or this drug is just not for me and causing me problems. i remember upping the dose from 150MG to 225MG and i didnt notice ANY improvement with my depression or anxiety. please help its been a year and half going through this hell i cant take it anymore. im going to try to switch to a different medication anyone have recommendations for severe depression, anxiety and OCD?

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    I was struggling another person on here told me too try adding 15mg of mitrazapine and I swear I've never looked back. I have been so much better ...Look into this it's called California rocket fuel when u add mirtazapine 15mg too venlafaxine. I didnt have breathing problems but horrendous depression and horrendous anxiety. Go look it up.

  • Posted

    Wow! Talk about side effects. This is one situation where the benefits DO NOT outweigh the risks (side effects). Clearly you're distressed and in a bad place - I'd book in for an emergency appointment to see your GP or get a referral to an acute mental health team whose specialists will review your medication, prescribe alternatives and monitor you until you get the right one for you. Other antidepressant that you can try will really be dependent on all your health issues looked at as a whole - so it'd not be right or safe to suggest alternatives for you.

    But, there are a few available that you could read about ahead of your appointment with the GP or mental health specialist like (just to mention a few):

    Sertraline

    Duloxitine

    Virtioxetine

    Amitriptylibe

    I really hope you get the help and right medication soon. Do let us know how it goes.

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