... difference between an SSRI and an SNRI? How will the side effects differ?
My main struggle is daily anxiety, racing thoughts, and my agoraphobia is getting worse. Is there actually a Med that helps agoraphobia or do you just have to face it head on?
Dr. has decided to switch me from Fluoxetine to Venlafaxine and I am terrified! What is the...
Question posted by Mat1 on 11 Nov 2017
Last updated on 11 March 2018 by mrtoadota
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3 Answers
mrtoadota
11 March 2018
Mat-
I too suffer from agoraphobia. I finally did some research on the internet about medications. There were a lot of posts recommending Prozac for anxiety, panic, and/or agoraphobia. At the next session with my doc, he actually recommended Prozac. 2 weeks - still good, and getting better.
Lynn 351
12 Nov 2017
Hi Mat 1,
I was on an SSRI zoloft for 23 years worked beautifully until this past June. They tried raising the dose for 15 weeks and I got much worse. Doctor then put me on Effexsor XL 37.5 for a month.
I started noticing a real improvement so now I have been on 75 mgs for about 17 days. I was so afraid in the beginning like you are; I am a slow metabolizer so only low dosages are usually effective. I did have lots of side effects but they have faded. I had to take Klonopin a benzo to help with the anxiety before the Effexsor started working. I am about 85% better after 6 weeks. I am so relieved to feel better. You need to give it 12 weeks to be fully effective at your therapeutic dose. Good luck and don’t be afraid. Lynn
Mat1
13 Nov 2017
Lynn, thank you for the feedback. Do I dare ask what the side effects were? UGHHH... I just really want my life back.
Lynn 351
13 Nov 2017
This web site has an accurate list of side effects under Effexsor. I had nausea and cramping with constipation. Sleepiness in the afternoon. I also had waves of heartburn. Loss of appetite. In the beginning the anxiety can get worse which is why the benzo’s helped. I still have difficulty falling asleep at night. I had waves of feeling like I was coming down with the flu, muscle aches, chills, hot flashes and sweating. It was not constant at all came and went. Some people have none but I am happy I stuck with it. All anti depressants have side effects but they recede and become manageable.
Mat1
13 Nov 2017
Lynn, I appreciate your honesty. I guess I can handle the side effects if I knew in the end it would be the Med that finally works for me. The comments that have scared me most are the ones talking about the withdrawal systems coming off. I think if it works I will be a lifer rather than deal with the withdrawals.
Lynn 351
13 Nov 2017
I worried a lot about all the stories about coming off too. At this point I just want to feel normal again. If i’m A lifer on these so be it.
WildcatVet
11 Nov 2017
There are many neurotransmitters that conduct impulses to our brains and affect our moods and feelings. Some of the major ones affect serotonin, norephinephrine, GABA, and dopamine. Different antidepressants/anxiolytics simply work on different neurotransmitters, and because every person reacts differently to medications because of where their chemical imbalance is different types of drugs are tried to find the one that's most effective.
Since your serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was apparently not effective, the next step is to try a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). This is not at all uncommon and isn't something you should be afraid of.
I don't know of a drug that directly influences agorophobia, but an anxiolytic like Effexor can control all anxiety symptoms that a person may feel.
Personally, I found Effexor very effective and took it for over 4 years with no problems or side effects.
Mat1
11 Nov 2017
Thank you for the information. If I may ask, why did you stop taking it?
WildcatVet
11 Nov 2017
Mat, I was treated for Major Depression/Anxiety for several years until I began having late onset Bipolar symptoms. Antidepressants can make these episodes worse so my doctor switched me to a mood stabilizer and an anti-psychotic.
Mat1
11 Nov 2017
Thank you. Didn't mean to pry, I always wonder why people stop meds that they say are helping.
WildcatVet
11 Nov 2017
No problem! The way to learn is to ask questions and yours was a good one.
Related topics
depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, venlafaxine, side effect, anxiety and stress, agoraphobia, ssri, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Further information
- Venlafaxine uses and safety info
- Venlafaxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
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