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Venlafaxine stopped working ?

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martin636373
martin636373

Okay, so I've been suffering from Anxiety disorder since the age of 18, I'm 28 now. I was prescribed Sertraline and given the generic NHS leaflet and sent on my way. Every couple of years or so I'd go back to the doctors because my anxiety had come back and the fix was always a higher dosage. So fast forward 9 years and the Sertraline stopped working again, this time I was in a real state so I spoke to the doctor and she suggested a different medication, Venlafaxine. I was told Venlafaxine was better because it was an SSRI and SNRI so feeling the way I was I naturally agreed and took the medication starting at 37.5mg then to 75mg and finally to 150mg a day. All seemed to be going well because I felt better but recently I've been feeling strange, thinking strange things and having bad anxiety. I went to see the doctor, a new doctor because I've recently moved and after explaining to her that I have a history of mental health problems going back as far as when I was only 7 years old (I'm 28 now) and I'd been taking the Sertraline and now the Venlafaxine but I feel anxious and I'm thinking strange things and all she could say to me is that "we do not build tolerances towards these drugs, I think it's your mental health that has constantly gotten worse over the years". She told me to get referred onto a talking therapy cbt program which I have done but now I feel stuck! I'm anxious, stuck taking a drug that isn't doing anything for me because if I stop the withdrawal effects are not worth living for. I feel lost and conned into taking medication which is no longer helping me and has probably had a detrimental effect on my health over the years. I've considered CBD oils and vapes but honestly I feel lost now and it seems nobody is interested anymore. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks guys and girls

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Tammy83279
    Tammy83279 martin636373

    Posted

    hi

    i cant unfortunately add any advice as i myself am going through the same thing. on Sertraline just now, just switched in june from Citalopram. my anxiety isnt better.

    i am so scared.

    anyone have any advice.

    ive been on antidepressants fir 20 years. the past 2, my anxiety has got worse.

    i was told perhaps, perimenopause can agribate anxiety and that it can last 10 years. im 44.

    im at my wits end.

    • martin636373
      martin636373 Tammy83279

      Posted

      have you done therapy? my doctor told me the medication is a blanket and not a cure and i must deal with the underlying problem

    • Tammy83279
      Tammy83279 AJ97592

      Posted

      i understood it all etc but just cant seem to make my stubborn brain adapt.

      i think think think think. i wish there was a switch to dial down the thoughts.

    • Tammy83279
      Tammy83279 AJ97592

      Posted

      GAD and OCPD.

      It has become increasingly worse in the past 2 years.

      Almost everyday is a struggle now.

      Panic attacks ate increasing.

      i dont have any energy, worry constantly, seem to get no satisfaction from anything in life now.

      i am crying almost every day.

      im tired and fed up of it zapping my life and energy.

      i want to give up.

      i am terrified.

    • AJ97592
      AJ97592 Tammy83279

      Posted

      can't say i know what OCPD is but i have had what i would call panic disorder and generalised anxiety.

      i can relate to exactly what you're saying and felt almost suicidal from it.

      when i spoke to doctors and CBT therapists it was very hard to believe what they were saying as they had not experienced it themselves.

      i however have experienced and am by no means completely over it but have come from where you are to being much closer to where i was years ago.

      i will try to explain the things i have learnt if possible.... the first step for me is understanding fight or flight which i imagine you have done if you have some CBT before? (this is where i believe CBT is actually effective)

    • Tammy83279
      Tammy83279 AJ97592

      Posted

      obsessive compulsive personality disorder

      just been at the psychiatrist today and have another med change.

      im really scared about that but things arent great now so i guess ive got to give it a go.

      i just feel as if i did something bad in a past life to be tortured like this.

      Not sure how much more i an take.

      thank you very much for communicating with me over this.

      much appreciated.

  • AJ97592
    AJ97592 martin636373

    Posted

    Hi,

    i agree the NHS wasn't particularly helpful. i have had panic/anxiety for 7 years in the same situation never seeing light at the end of the tunnel. however i have had massive improvements from audio books and the answer is in changing how you think.

    these two are game changers;

    1. the panic switch by Jeffrey L hammes on audible
    2. how to overcome anxiety by claire weekes . on YouTube

    Therapy and understanding

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