Too much Venlafaxine??

Treatment and medication
1

Hi,

I am now taking 300mg Venlafaxine per day.  I have been taking this medication (not 300 mg) for at lest 14 years. However, I have become more depressed and anxious since the onset of Menopause - which is awful...(10 years now!!).

My mum has since been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and is very ill. My daughter has just left for University - Last wk.

I am at the moment very, very depressed. I stay in bed and cannot go out. I know that the Menopause, and my mother and daughters situation will have definetely made me a lot more depressed.

But the question here is "Do you think Venlafaxine is working as it should be?"  And, if it was would I not be feeling a bit better?

2

Hi how long have you been on 300mgs now? I just increased 1 week ago x

3

Hi I think venlafaxine can be used in menopause for the sweats.. If i were you I would go back to the Doctor and see what else is available some ven can be a life saver but the withdrawals are awful when you want to come off I personally wouldn't be on it if I'd of researched more.., Good luck

4

hello, you dont say how long you have been on 300mg? you are on a high dose, and at that level a gp isnt likely to be much help. i would tecommend seeing a pyschiatrist for an assessment and recommendation. it doesnt sound like your dose is working sufficiently well for you. it may be that a pysc could add another medication to it, to help it work better, or possibly recommend an alternative anti depressant. if you afford it, ask your gp for private pysc referral. an initial 2 hour assessment and recommendation would cost about £500 , with follow up appointments costing £100 per session. it could be arramged within a couple of weeks. you could try on the nhs, but is likely to take 6 months to see one. i dont think a gp will have enough knowledge or authority to recommend the best option for you. they are more restricted by what they can do at your current dose level. personally i wouldnt trust one with mental health issues, because they are not experianced enough. hope this helps in some way.

5

Hello Gillian, my name is Jenny I have been on Venlafaxine for about 5 years.  I was on 225mg but am presently trying to reduce.  I reduced 37.5mg for 3 weeks and then 37.5mg for another 3 weeks.  I have now been on 150mg for one week.  So far so good I think I been a bit more emotional and started smoking again (damn it)  I figure of course there are going to changes  but this time I'm willing to go through it and see how I come out the other side.

Not sure where everyone lives I'm in New Zealand and if I were to take 300 mg then I would have to be an inpatient, at 225 mg and under you can stay at home and check in with your counsellor or psychiatrist.  I'm guessing you have a psychiatrist because they are the only ones who can prescribe medications for mental health the doctor can give you repeats after confirmation from your psychiatrist, well that's how it works here.

I have been going through Menopause for only 4 years now and WOW who knew!!

My personal belief is you have been fine on your medication until now but your situation has now changed quite dramatically.

Between your mum and daughter that would bring on huge anxiety and depression and perhaps it's time for a revision of your situation and your medication.

Menopause is solely a doctor problem you could go prescription drug course or natural herbal course do your own research on line regarding this it's a bit of a minefield this menopause business regarding research everyone's  journey is so different.

Hope I have been a little bit helpful but really do think a revision is what your needing at present.  All you have to do is get through today nothing else matters.  If you can get out of your pj's for just one day AWESOME.  Another day if you can have a shower and wash your hair AWESOME.  If on another day you manage to tidy the kitchen bench AWESOME.  One small thing each day is all that is needed for now.  Take good care, be kind to yourself pretend your talking to a friend, what advice would give them?  What nice things would you say to them?

We are all a work in progress Gillian baby steps no more, no less.  Please feel free to contact me back.  I love you and I care very much x x  your going to be ok eventually Gillian rely on this support system you are not alone.

6

Hi Jennifer,

Thank-you so much for your reply. Your kindness and support has helped me so much. I am from United Kingdom and, unfortunately our NHS (National Health Service) is appaling due to our Goverment - hence allowing 300mg Venlafaxine by my GP from the NHS.

What you said regarding 37.5 mg decrease for 3 wks seems a really manageable dose? I am going to try this. Although, as you know Venlafaxine is one of the hardest drugs yo come off. I think you are so inspirational in your effect and, I know you will come through. This seems to be the right time for you.

What you suggested about coping strategies are so helpful. When you get advice and support from an objective source - yourself.......it is really enlightening. My partner tries to help but he is too emotionally involved.

In the United Kingdom paying to see anybody professionally from, as we call it, "private health care" is very, very expensive, especially a psychiatrist. To see an NHS Psychiatrist is horrendously difficult. YOu have to be very, very ill with your mental health and, the protocol is really bad.

However,on a positive note, what you said was true, I was OKish before the onset of 1) Menopause 2) My Mothers condition 3) My brothers reaction and 4) My daughter going to University. But, although my mum will not get better, I, will cope with this situation better in time, as with my brothers. My daughter, just  spoke to her on the phone!! fell better.

What are you taking for the menopause Jennifer? I was on an American web-site and have ordered some natural Progesterone, after reading a book that really is amazing. I can PM you regarding this information??

Anyway, I hope your feel better soon and I will start your suggested coping strategies for depression and anxiety tmw AM.....I HAVE to first get out of bed.....I am going to the bathroom with my clothes and get changed so as not to keep in my night clothes.

Today, I feel a lot better than yesterday, but I have been for a walk with my dog. I find that some days are far better than others. Do you feel that way?

Please keep in contact Jennifer you are a real breath of inspiration.