I took the IR last year 37.5mg for a month before upping to 37.5mg AM and PM (75mg) and got on well but came off as felt better! Big mistake as 3 months later felt so down again. This time my dr has given me 37.5mg XR for a week and then 75mg XR. I’m now on day 13 and am feeling a bit all over the place. When I wake up I feel anxious in my tummy for the first 2 hours and then I seem to just get through the day with a funny head and feeling nervous. Should I go back to IR? Or will the XR get better? Am I being too hasty? I was on the 37.5mg IR a month last time before upping to 75mg IR
Venlafaxine - IR or XR? What should I do?
Question posted by Kt08 on 20 Aug 2024
Last updated on 20 August 2024
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Answers
WildcatVet
20 Aug 2024
Hi, Kt08!
It’s a classic mistake. It’s estimated that as many as 82% who stop the medication too soon will have rebound symptoms. Some folks (like me!) have to be on medication for life.
Personally, I’d stick with the XR as its side effects should resolve within a week or two and it gives you better round-the-clock coverage.
But it’s up to you to decide which works better for you. Most people feel improvement in the first two weeks so you might want to give this formulation a try for at least several weeks.
Best regards and feel better quickly!
Kt08
20 Aug 2024
I definitely came off too quick and thought I knew best!!! I’m 2 weeks in tomorrow so hopefully something will start getting better soon
WildcatVet
20 Aug 2024
Yeah, I learned my lesson not once but twice!
Kjscott74
20 Aug 2024
I came from 150 to 112.5 and in 2 days withdrawals started!! Including suicidal thoughts!!! This is day 8 and I’m not thinking that way, but still everything else. I also have to be on something for life, but not this!! Never again!!
WildcatVet
20 Aug 2024
@Kjscott...
That was a drop and it was way too fast. No wonder you had problems. Did you tell your doctor and perhaps discuss adjusting your dosage again at least temporarily? No reason to suffer.
You should be able to enjoy the great benefits of this medication. I have for over 7 years and counting...
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Further information
- Venlafaxine uses and safety info
- Venlafaxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
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