Depression Forums

General => Medication => Topic started by: bendymind on January 23, 2013, 01:40:20 PM

Title: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: bendymind on January 23, 2013, 01:40:20 PM

I have come off Paroxetine, tried Mirtazipine (failed)

Dr now has me on 150gm slow release Venlafaxine

Since going onto Venlafaxine I have had sciatica in my left leg, my blood preasure is high and I have the shakes in my hands

Has anyone had these side effects ? - do they pass ?

I asked Dr if I could go back to Paroxetine as it did work great for me but he refused saying its no longer prescribed once someone comes off it. ( I wanted to come off it because 20mg killed my sex drive which has not improved yet )

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: Catbrian on January 23, 2013, 10:31:42 PM

How long have you been taking Venlafaxine?  Sometimes it can take a few months to really settle in your system and side effects usually pass with time.  I imagine the GP is worried about changing meds so often, it might not be helpful in the long run

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: bendymind on January 24, 2013, 10:58:07 AM

I'm in my second month Catb

I am sick of feeling so low

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: Leo on January 26, 2013, 03:37:32 AM

I can only speak for myself but took a good few months to settle on Venlafaxine.

Are you taking the tablets at the same time each day? I noticed more when I was coming off them (didn't work for me) I developed physical shakes.

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: bendymind on January 27, 2013, 04:13:29 PM

Hi Leo

yep, I take one at the same time every morning.

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: Catbrian on January 29, 2013, 08:45:42 PM

How you feeling now bendy?  Sometimes these AD's take 3 + months to settle and that usually includes any sexual function, or lack of it!

Hope things are a bit better

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: bendymind on January 30, 2013, 01:46:41 PM

Feeling much better Cat - thanks for asking

They are strange slow-release capsules and are like lots of tiny bits inside an outer capsule

I have been fine until about mid afternoon then felt the 'darkness' coming on. Then it seems to pass and I pick up again.

I still have sciatica and getting BP checked tomorrow - only mild shakes in the mornings

So things could be on the 'up' (apart from down below LOL)

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: Catbrian on January 30, 2013, 09:30:17 PM

I pleased you're feeling much better.  It always takes a while to stabilise on any medication.  The afternoon darkness is not uncommon, perhaps you're feeling exhausted at that point in the day.  Depression can really knock the stuffing out us.

I also suffer sciatica of the most horrendous kind.  It's caused by a back problem and can be excruciating.  That can also pull us down.

Good luck with tomorrow and let us know how it goes.

Title: Re: Venlafaxine side effects
Post by: bendymind on January 31, 2013, 04:00:58 PM

Oh well BP is still high so been put on pills for that too....