So I have been on venlafaxine 2wks and 3days. I just started 75mg 2 days ago. Today I feel drugged, spacey, heart racing on and off, nervousness, keep feeling like I need to use restroom, keep feeling like I'm on the verge of a panic attack. Is this normal at first? Will these symptoms subside? I used to take venlafaxine years ago and had no problems. Just feel so off
Venlafaxine worse before better?
Question posted by Kdw12 on 2 Feb 2022
Last updated on 3 February 2022 by Catholicmom
Answers
Catholicmom
3 Feb 2022
It is ( unfortunately) quite normal to feel worse before you feel better on antidepressant. Also when there is a dose increase it can trigger side effects for a few days. Some lucky people ( like my daughter!) managed to escape any side effects and felt benefits within days of starting.
Others, like myself, seem to get more side effects. I remember thinking in week 2 that I felt worse than I did before I started and was quite upset about it.
Thankfully it did pass. By week 3 I started feeling slightly better and week 4 I felt back to my normal self.
Hang in there! Try to do things that help you stay calm. I buried myself in a good romance novel and didn’t put too much pressure on myself to ‘do anything’. Read the positive reviews here and believe in the process. It will get better.
Related topics
depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, venlafaxine, major depressive disorder, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Venlafaxine uses and safety info
- Venlafaxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
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