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No stock of Venlafaxine?

Posted , 16 users are following.

stephanie_02023
stephanie_02023

Can anyone help me? I’ve been to collect my prescription today for venlafaxine that I’ve been taking for several months and has help me immensely, only to be told sorry it’s not stocked anymore and referred me back to my GP! Has anyone else had the same issue? I’m worried now as it’s the only medication that’s ever worked and I’ve had a few antidepressants over the years! Thanks

1 like, 53 replies

53 Replies

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  • Purpledobermann
    Purpledobermann stephanie_02023

    Posted

    What do they mean it is not stocked anymore? Permanently? It is unacceptable to send a psychiatric patient away without a replacement or more info. Is there a way to contact any other chemists to confirm this? If they do not stock one brand they must stock another one. Did they not care to advise what they do stock so your GP can amend the prescription. Although there are subtle differences in quality between brands of generic venlafaxine, something is better than nothing. Hope a solution is found promptly. It used to be my biggest fear - not being able to find the medicine in stock. sad
    • stephanie_02023
      stephanie_02023 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply.  They told me that they were unable to source it anymore and that it was being withdrawn due to licensing issues. They told me no other chemist had it either. I was told to go back to my GP for a different prescription. It’s a nightmare as I haven’t had anything since Saturday and I’m starting to feel dizzy.  Thanks
  • mike60339
    mike60339 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    Hi Stephanie,

    Just spoke to my pharmacist, they say no licensing issues they are aware of, some stock issues with 75mg non-prolonged release but only the usual as with many drugs. I would check with other pharmacists in your area. Would be nice to hear if you get your problem resolved.

    Best wishes,

    Mike

    • stephanie_02023
      stephanie_02023 mike60339

      Posted

      Hi MIke, thanks for your reply. I’ve had to go back to GP. They told me they are switching everyone to the prolonged release as the other version are being phased out. I’ve managed to get the prolonged version no problem from the pharmacy this morning. Not really sure what the difference is between them.  Thanks
  • mike60339
    mike60339 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    Hi Stephanie,

    So glad you got your problem resolved. In my opinion the prolonged release are much better, especially with regard to the unwanted side effects - it does as it says and spreads out the release of the drug into your system over time, making it easier for your body to deal with it. Good luck,

    Mike

  • alan06259
    alan06259 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    I have exactly the same problem here in West Wales, I have now run out of 75mg's but thankfully I also take 37.5mg's which I have had to increase the intake of myself to cover me while the Pharmacy and my GP surgery sort out what should be a simple task of re-writing my script to include sufficient supplies of 37.5mg. Sadly this seems to be a monumental task for all comcerned which isn't good news.

    • stephanie_02023
      stephanie_02023 alan06259

      Posted

      I’m pleased you’ve got something to keep you going. They left me without any for 2 days! There seems to be a huge communication issue between pharmacies and gp surgeries!  Hope you get sorted soon.
  • teresa44803
    teresa44803 stephanie_02023

    Posted

    Same problem in worcestershire area. Given the same explanation by chemist. When I asked what the problem was with their suppliers I was told they do not have to give a reason!

    i have been given what looks like some left over Duloxotene 40mg capsules to get by on until I get to see my doctor on Tuesday. They haven’t even enclosed any information in the box such as side effects!!

     

    • alan06259
      alan06259 teresa44803

      Posted

      As I type my problem still hasn't been resolved even after I drove to my GP today (six mile round trip), I then got a phone call to say the script had been changed and faxed to the Pharmacy for me collect, who I have since phoned only to be told that the script dosage was incorrect and the GP's figures would have overdosed me and the script has to be changed again for I think the FIFTH time! I am now sat at 16.00 hrs out of medication waiting for a phone call to say it's sorted..............Pharmacy shuts at 18.00 and I'm not holding my breath!

      One thing that did come to the fore was the Pharmacy blaming the GP and vice versa so whoever is at fault I just don't know, I wanted to complain at the surgery but the Practice Manager is on a fortnight's leave! I will when the dust settles complain to the whole world as it just seemed that nobody really could be bothered, which is really sad and also really dangerous to patients being treated this way.

    • teresa44803
      teresa44803 alan06259

      Posted

      I’m sorry to hear about you being messed around it’s no fun at the best of time but when you do not know what’s happening about your medication it really can send you in a panic I hope you are sorted out now, hopefully I will find out more when I visit my doctor next week!

      my thoughts are with you Alan

    • alan06259
      alan06259 teresa44803

      Posted

      Thank you, yes I'm sorted now but can't help but wonder what will happen when my next script is due. I hope your GP appointment goes well.

  • cabunny
    cabunny stephanie_02023

    Posted

    I am having the same problem. Last month I had to check 5 pharmacies before finding one with more than 2 or 3 days supply of Vanlafaxine 75mg tablets left. This month I can't find any pharmacy that has any in stock. I don't understand why the GP surgery is not alerted to the problem to stop writing prescriptions for it. Now I have to go back to the surgery after the weekend and ask for a Venlafaxine modified-release capsule prescription instead. I used to have these but got switched to the tablets as they are cheaper. Local pharmacies are saying the modified-release ones are in stock. Luckily my family help run around between the surgery and pharmacies or I would be totally stressed out. For anyone who is really stuck I read elsewhere of a patient calling the NHS 111 phoneline and they faxed a prescription to a pharmacy as his GP surgery was closed.

    • stephanie_02023
      stephanie_02023 cabunny

      Posted

      It’s ridiculous, I asked the pharmacist why the GP’s we’re not informed and I was told that they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the changes to medicines as it’s a constant issue. I still think they should be sent back to the GP if there is an issue like this. They had my prescription for 5 days knowing they couldn’t fill it and just waited till I went to pick it up before informing me! Not good enough.
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