what should I do?

My experience with effexor slow release is that it took me a while to adjust to increasing the dosage, and I seem to remember some spikes in anxiety that went away. It helped me with anxiety and depression a lot. I was having panic attacks all the time, but did not want to get addicated to a benzo, so it was a good route. My only advice would be to do what you're doing - engaging in things that keep your from focusing on it. Wish you the best and know you're not alone.

I can agree with DougieFresh - it does take a while for things to settle down when you start with a new antidepressant or up the dose. Use your "coping strategies" as you are doing, and stick with it would be my advice. I assure you, I do know how hard it is, but there is a way through. I take a low dose of haloperidol which controls the panic attacks - I don't think it's a "benzo".

Hi guys, thanks for the responses.

I think because I've not had a panic attack, depression or anxious feelings for about 2 weeks now I may be over reacting to the anxiousness I'm feeling now. I knew that this was a possible side effect when i upped the venlafaxine, I think its because i started venlafaxine after coming off of citalopram as i wasn't coping very well on it and the side effects when i changed to venlafaxine were so mild compared that i didn't notice i was still having them, but because I haven't had them for so long I'm noticing them now.

It's just that first initial thought, it disappeared soon enough, it's just scary when it comes on. Thankfully i know the propranolol wont allow me to have a full blown panic attack, but it's still worrying.

Hopefully the anxiousness will disappear again after another few days as I've found venlafaxine does work very well for me.

I have to go see my doctor in 2 weeks anyway so if it hasn't gone by then i will ask for advice. Like i said hopefully it will go soon.

Just got to keep remembering I'm alot better since starting the meds, from panic attacks all day everyday, not eating or sleeping and depressed to zero panic attacks, eating and sleeping regularly and no depression.

Positive thoughts lead to a positive life.

Thanks again and best wishes to you all.

Danielle x

Positive thoughts, amen. I remember when panic attacks nearly crippled me. When they started going away, any hint of having one again would terrify me. So I think your reaction is totally understandable. They still come every once in a blue moon for me, and when they do, I just remember "oh yeah, these things do suck, but I've yet to have one kill me, and I guess it won't now, let me just ride it out."

I think peace and happiness are out there for us if we are willing to work for them and believe that they can happen, which they will.

Cheers

DougieFresh

Amen indeed DougieFresh, I know what you mean, even the thought of having one is scary enough....I remember only a month back when they crippled me and i was convinced i was going to end up in a lunatic asylum...not a pleasant place to be....It's just frightening the thought of going back to that dark place, where the world just didn't make any sense to me and i began to wonder why everyone else didn't see it the way i did, i felt like screaming at every person i saw on the street so they would realise...I didn't get to that stage thankfully, but i came very close indeed.

Thanks again, and i hope one day you can be in the place i am and almost be over them....Just a few more hurdles to jump yet.

Danielle x