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Taking Venlafaxine for years, still taking it but getting coming off symptoms after 20 hours.

Posted , 4 users are following.

kerrimac
kerrimac

I have been taking 75 mg per day of Venlafaxine for about 15 years. Occasionally I still have anxiety and my doctor wants me to take a higher dose but so far I have said no. I know very well all the horrible things you feel if you forget to take it, but just lately I have been experienced some of these feelings about 20 hours after I have taken my last tablet. Just before this started to happen I was given a brand prescription that I have never taken before. I was thinking surely it couldn't be because something is wrong with this brand.. Then I thought maybe I really do need a higher dose, as perhaps taking the drug for such a long time, it has lost some of its effectiveness. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Has anyone got some advice about what I should do?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • karen_57593
    karen_57593 kerrimac

    Posted

    I'm just on venlafaxine now n doing ok. However when I was on another antidepressant I was on for 16 years I do think it loses its effect after such a long time I might be wrong but that's how I felt xx

  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 kerrimac

    Posted

    Hello, the thing you said about your anxious feelings after 20 hours is interesting. When do you take your ven? Its just that extended release doesnt last for 24 hours. It can be as little as 15 depending on the person. Most people will be low on any extended release tablet towards the last 6 hours or so. You could get around this by taking 2 half doses if ectended release, 12 hours apart. Its unlikely to make a big difference, BUT it will certainly give you a more even dose throughout the day. Some doctors and pyscs may not be prepared to do it, as they think it doesnt make enough of a difference.
    • karen_57593
      karen_57593 nigel45109

      Posted

      Nigel think it was you that helped me work out I was on immediate release yesterday I take the 75mg twice a day morning and night. Is this the same am I supposed too take this at the exact time everyday if I'm later will I get these side effects. Doctors never said anything too me about make sure you take it at same time. Just wondering xxx

    • nigel45109
      nigel45109 karen_57593

      Posted

      Hello, sorry, if its immediate rele

      ase, then 20 hour idea about running out of ven, doesnt apply. Not sure what you mean then about after 20 hours, 20 hours from when?

    • karen_57593
      karen_57593 nigel45109

      Posted

      Hi Nigel I didn't say anything about 20 hours. I just seen someone saying they get side effects if they don't take their venlafaxine on time. You helped me work out the other day if I was on extended release or immediate n u thought it was immediate. I take my 75mg twice a day but was just asking if it's supposed too be taken exactly at the same time every day xxx

    • nigel45109
      nigel45109 karen_57593

      Posted

      Sorry, my fault. It was the original poster, kerrimac who asked that. I try to take my immediate release at roughly the same times each day. Have found it doesnt make much difference if its within a 2 hour period, either early or late.
    • karen_57593
      karen_57593 nigel45109

      Posted

      Thanks Nigel r u getting on ok on them r u on the same as me 75mg twice a day xx
  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 kerrimac

    Posted

    75mg is a low dose. Why not try an increase, try an extra 37.5mg. That way you could take your 75mg when you do, and the 37.5mg 12 hours later. You would have a small increase, and a more even dose of ven as well.
  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 kerrimac

    Posted

    Finally, lol, i dont think the ven itself should be different beteeen brands, but perhaps the capsules and stuff they use to slow down release, are different between brands?
  • tammy76379
    tammy76379 kerrimac

    Posted

    Hi! Yes, I've experienced this. In was in the generic for about 14 years with great success. Just this winter, my generic Venlafaxine 75 xr was discontinued and substituted with another brand. But a few times before this, my pharmacy ran out of the generic that worked and subbed in the one that didn't. I knew it because they told me and the capsule was a different color. Anyway, the second generic wasn't working after a few days....I began to have breakthrough anxiety and dizziness. To make a long story short, I weaned off the 75 in about 2 months and started Lexapro. Big mistake. My anxiety went through the roof even after 10 weeks of being in the Lexapro.

    After doing much insurance research, brand Effexor would cost over $500. BUT, I went in Effexor's website and there was a coupon that as anyone can use. You can't use it along with your insurance. I pay only$30/ month.

    Anyway, yes, your new generic is probably not working as well. If you remember the original pill you were taking, compare it with the new one, talk to your pharmacy about filling your original generic and if they can't, find out if it was discontinued. It might be a case of the pharmacy not buying a certain company's medications anymore. If your original generic is not discontinued, find a pharmacy that fills it. Best of luck!!!

    Btw, if you were having success on your original, I wouldn't increase. Just hang on a little while too you get some answers. A low dose of Ativan might help until you get this figured out.

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