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New to Venlafaxine, finding it difficult

Posted , 7 users are following.

aimlesswanderer
aimlesswanderer

Hello

I've been on various ADs for anxiety in the past and have stopped due to them being ineffective (Citalopram) or having too many side-effects (Sertraline and Fluoxetine). I've been on Venlafaxine (one morning tab of 37.5mg) for the past 8 days and my appetite has virtually disappeared, while I keep having bad attacks of anxiety and my nerves feel incredibly raw.

I'm tag-teaming the Venlafaxine with Mirtazapine, as I hoped that would keep my sleep and appetite stable (my sleep has been okay) but I'm fairly sure it's the Venlafaxine that's causing these issues. I'm tempted to quit Venlafaxine altogether, but I really do need something to stabilise my anxiety, which seems to be getting worse the older I get.

Anyway, any advice or re-assurance from Ven users would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

1 like, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • Bogmonster
    Bogmonster aimlesswanderer

    Posted

    I wish my appetitie would go down. I am on ven at 300mg and I have put on about 3 stone. I am also on Amisulpride which does not help. I was not started on low doses of ven because my psychiatrist said it would not work for me. I started on 150mg and rapidly worked up from there, My worst side effect is also the sweating which is quite grim.

    As for the weight, I am now on a diet and have quickly shed 7 pounds so I think I can get back to a normal weight with perserverance.

    BW, BM.

    • aimlesswanderer
      aimlesswanderer Bogmonster

      Posted

      I'm sorry to hear that. I suffer from IBS so that may be why I get hit by GI symptoms when I'm changing meds. I sortof wish my GP had put me straight on 150 but I've had so many problems with mess that he's obviously decided to take it slowly.

    • jacqueline69942
      jacqueline69942 Bogmonster

      Posted

      I absolutely hate the sweating.  I sweat even when it is cold.  I don't even own a coat or sweater, because I never need one.  This is why I want to get off of Venlafaxine...The sweating and the weight gain...but I am afraid because I was told the withdrawal symptoms are unbearable.

    • Bogmonster
      Bogmonster jacqueline69942

      Posted

      You might be surprised coming off ven. I have had the hairbrained idea to quit cold turkey in the past and the symptoms were not bad at all.  I came off for about a week before I realised what a stupid mistake I was making - I still need my meds...I have been told to expect to be on ven and amisulpride for life.

      BW, BM

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann Bogmonster

      Posted

      I never put an ounce on ven. If anything in numbed my apetite somewhat. And I am one of those people who could use a few extra pounds. It never works the way you want it to does it! :D

      BTW I can't imagine what starting straight on 150 can be like? I felt like death starting at 37.5 - how did you manage? And how long did it take for the worst waves of side-effects to subside?

    • Bogmonster
      Bogmonster Purpledobermann

      Posted

      It never does work the way we wanit to does it sad  I will get back to my desired weight though. I think Amisulpride is worse for weight gain than ven as it messes with your metabolism.

      As for starting on 150mg, no problem at all for me, minimal side effects. The side effects have gotten worse on 300mg and they don't go away with time. Sweating is the worst of it along with being tired all the time - although being tired could equally be down to something else...

      BW, BM.

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann Bogmonster

      Posted

      sounds like tons of fun... Hope you feel better soon. Or be eligible to go down to under 300mg soon for a hopefully less sweaty experience ! smile

  • jacqueline69942
    jacqueline69942 aimlesswanderer

    Posted

    I am on 225 mg. of Venlafaxine.  And it has made me very hungry.  I have gained weight and so do many others on Ven.  I wish it would make me not hungry...I would love that...
    • jacqueline69942
      jacqueline69942 neil91349

      Posted

      I only take 2 meds a day. The Venlafaxine and the cholesterol pill.  I take them before bedtime...My venflaxine is one solid pill, not a capsule with beads in it....
    • aimlesswanderer
      aimlesswanderer jacqueline69942

      Posted

      I would happily swap places with you on the appetite front. I'm not really that bothered about how much I weigh, so long as it doesn't get out hand. I'd love to feel hunger again and not worry as meal times approach.

    • jacqueline69942
      jacqueline69942 aimlesswanderer

      Posted

      I would love to swap places with you.  I would love not to feel hungry as I am very concerned about being over-weight...I am not yet that bad, but still I would love to lose 20 pounds.
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