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Starting on Venlafaxine for anxiety

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clare1981
clare1981

Hi everyone

I'm new here.

I have suffered with generalised anxiety disorder for 20 years since my early 20s. Where I'm at now is I've swapped over from 200mg sertraline to Venlafaxine 75mg xl. This was done as a straight swap and no tappering. I had been on the sertaline for approximately 10 years and was coping well with my anxiety. In fact it was not even an issue for me. I started to suffer with my anxiety in March this year. I'm looking for answers as to why it has returned. I work as a care assistant full time and also live with and help my elderly disabled parents. I thought I was coping with the extra hours I had to put in at work due to the covid pandemic sometimes working 10 to 12 hours per day with little time for meals or breaks. I did have some weekends off and some short periods of annual leave. Although I felt tired and stressed I took it all in my stride. Fast forward to March and 2 weeks annual leave I was a complete mess. My anxiety hit like a train. I felt lost and didn't know what to do with myself. Obviously in March in the U.K we were still under restrictions. I could not really go anywhere whilst on leave and my friends were all at work. I spent alot of time with my parents which did not help as they have not been out all year and spend most of the day sleeping. I called my manager at work the first week and said I was going to leave due to work stress as I was no longer able to work at the capacity I had been. She was very supportive to start with but as we are always short staffed it was difficult for her promises to be kept.

I have carried on working full time despite my g.p offering to sign me off. I said I needed the routine and I am trying to finish on time each day. I have been on the venlafaxine 75mg once daily for just under 4 weeks. I still feel tearful, anxious and frustrated most days but not all at the same time. The panic attacks come and go in waves. I've not been able to see a g.p face to face. I've spoken to 3 different ones. The first wanted me to start taking diazipam 5mg 3 x daily but I refused to take it as I don't want to have to take more medication. The second g.p prescribed diazipam 2mg to be taken as needed and I've only taken 1 in 5 weeks when I just needed to rest. The main g.p who advised I swap over to the venlafaxine said I need to give it 4 to 6 weeks before I will notice if it's helping. This is such a long time when you feel your life is on hold. I want to get back to being me. I know I need to be patient but it's tough at times. How long does it usually take to feel stable again and do you think my g.p will increase the dose in 2 weeks time? I suffer from headaches and these seem to be worse at the moment. I have had some of the worst ever where I can't even sleep. With regards to my sleep I go to bed at the same time each evening and go to sleep quickly but I wake in the early hours and then I'm tossing and turning until its time for me to get up.

Any advice or experience would really help? Also should I explore councilling or hypnotherapy? I have had no additional tests done or blood's taken. Should I ask my gp? I have lost a stone since March. I also have an underactive thyroid and had blood's done in February which came back normal.

Thanks in advance. Sorry its so long!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Pezzy
    Pezzy clare1981

    Posted

    I was on Venlafaxine 150mg which didn't really work for me. Then again very little seems to work for me. My sister is also on 150mg Venlafaxine and she feels great.

    As for your situation, ask your GP to up your dose now if you still haven't had relief. There's no need to wait another two weeks. Regarding the GP advising you to take the Diazepam, get as much as you can so you can keep it for when needed. Ever since my anxiety started 4 years ago, I have always had a plentiful supply of Clonazepam, and it has been an absolute lifesaver for when I've gone through rough spells, came off medication or went onto something new. Especially during the adjustment period.

  • clare1981
    clare1981

    Posted

    Does anyone else think I should ask my gp to increase the dose from 75mg to 150mg? When will I start to feel better again? I do sleep well but wake early. I'm managing to continue to work work full time. As I drive for work I'm reluctant to take any diazepam.

    I've booked to see a therapist who specialises in counselling, hypnotherapy and acupuncture. Is this a good idea?

    Thanks in advance.

    • moe74083
      moe74083 clare1981

      Posted

      how do you feel now clare ?

      did u increase your dose to 150 or still on 75mg

      i hope you are coping now

      it took me a 6 months to feel back to track t

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