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Discussion Topic: Venlafaxin
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 zeegoman |
03-15-2004 @ 4:49 AM |
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Member
Joined: Mar. 2004
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I have been on 150mgs of venlafaxin (extended release) for the past 18 months, for treatment of depression.
I am starting to titrate the dose downward, currently 75mgs. I have had some withdrawal symptoms, which I expected and am coping with however, I have been having what I would describe as breakthrough depression. That is flashes of low mood, with self destructive rumination.
This is exaserbated by even small amounts of alcohol, e.g. a couple of glasses of wine over an evening. (I have obviously stopped drinking alcohol in the interim)
Does anyone have experience of this? I am concerned that I may becoming depressed again. I will be cosulting my medical practitioner about this, but would like other views if available.
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| squelch |
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04-13-2004 @ 5:25 PM |
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Joined: Apr. 2004
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I'm considering a change in meds to V'flexin. What made you choose to titrate down? Did you think you had it "solved", or were there side affects? What was it like for you, and what meds had you tried before.
Good luck as you go through the change/tapering off.
D.
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| zeegoman |
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04-14-2004 @ 11:02 AM |
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Joined: Mar. 2004
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Squelch!
It is recomended that venlafaxine is titrated when you are coming off. This was always the long term plan arranged with my pyhscian. I have however, since returned to the higher dose due to relapse.
I have had many of the tricyclics, SSRI's and SNRI, Fluoxitine, Reboxitine, Paroxetine and Amitriptyline to name but a few, whatever is in vogue. Venlafaxine is classed as a second level drug for more treatment resistant depression.
Until quite recently my depression was distinctly seasonal and I took the drugs for the winter period only.
The main long lasting side effect of venlafaxine has been periodic excessive sweating.
In common with most anti depressants prescribed for depression rather than low mood or blues, it kind of flattens out your emotions, Reducing the occurence, intensity and duration of the lows and the highs. It can also have demotivating effects.
It boils down to whatever suits you in terms of therapeutic effect v side effects. I can live with the venlafaxine side effects but not with some other drugs .
I have NEVER had a Prozac type feel good effect.
Regards
Zeeg 
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| zeegoman |
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06-24-2004 @ 9:04 PM |
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Joined: Mar. 2004
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I posted the origional message here. Does anybody else take this ****ed stuff?
I am now taking 225mgs and my life is ****. I have a 2 dimensonal experience of everything. I never feel good, I never feel really bad either in fact I don't feel anything.
There are no highs no lows, nothing. There is no connection with any emmotion.
Is this me or does anybody else identify with this?
please don't give any platitudes coz I've had a belly full!
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| SaraM |
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08-25-2004 @ 1:00 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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I've been on effexor xr on four separate occasions. OVer all, it's been a positive experience for me. I have a couple of questions for you, though. Did you and your doctor agree that it was time for you to start working down from your initial dose? If you're doing it on your own, you may be feeling residual or breakthrough depression because it wasn't yet the correct time to lower your dose.
If you're feeling nothing, you might want to look into raising you dosage.
Good luck,
sarah
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| SaraM |
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08-25-2004 @ 1:07 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Hey,
I've been on Venlafaxine 4 separate times over the past 8 years. Overall, it's been a positive experience. It has some side effects that are difficult to tolerate; for me, the three hardest have been insomnia, diminished appetite, and nausea. ALl three were more or less fixable -- my psychiatrist prescribed me a safe sleeping pill, and so long as I'm on the Ven, I'll be on the pill, as well. Eating, I'm careful to eat most of my food in liquid form, which is easier - yogurt, protein shakes, veg. drinks, etc. The last two times I've been on it (invluding now), I've gotten into a real routine, health wise, and it's worked out well for me.
The benefits, for me, far outweigh the negatives. While I'm taking venlafaxine, I'm functioning. And that's essentially what it comes do. I function normally, I laugh and work and relax and interact with people and the world -- I'm myself. I feel an overarching sense of happiness and contenment.
So, for me, it's been worth it.
Good luck,
Sarah
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| Ariel |
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09-01-2004 @ 11:02 PM |
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Joined: Sep. 2004
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I'm glad you're consulting with your doc. With so many meds out there to choose from, why mess with one that seems to be causing you problems. By the way, I also have problems with self destructive rumination and decreased inhibitions in this area when I drink.
Good luck to you, hope you feel better soon
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| suzie |
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09-20-2004 @ 7:46 PM |
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Joined: Sep. 2004
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i have been taking venlafaxine for a number of years,450mgs, then down to 150mgs, now i'm on 50mgs a day, and its a nightmare, i have suicidle thoughts, cry constantly and all because my doctor wants to try new meds, citolapram, if anyone has heard of these. i felt fine on the ven's but got used to them i think, but the withdrawal for me has been frightening. if these new meds dont work, i have to have electroconvulsivetherapy, which i have had before and believe me,its a living nightmare, i'm at my lowest of the low now and need help, but not getting it, i'm pleased there is somewhere to chat with other people who are experiencing the same problems i am having, thanks for taking time to read this.
suzie..xxx
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| Barbara |
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09-23-2004 @ 11:35 AM |
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Joined: Aug. 2004
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Does anyone know anything about Lexopro? I've just been prescribed 10mg to start two days ago and I feel as if my heart is trying to pound out of my chest. I can't seem to find any info on line.
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| Josie, Support Specialist |
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09-23-2004 @ 11:54 AM |
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Moderator
Joined: Mar. 2004
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Barbara,
A good idea is to contact your doctor or your pharmacist. They will be better able to assist you in these medical questions. Knowledge is power and peace of mind.
Josie
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| Posted By |
Discussion Topic: Venlafaxin
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