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[Seeking Help] What is everybody's experience on Venlafaxine?

Meds & Mental Health Discussion. A dedicated spot to discuss the role of medication in recovery. While we always defer to GPs and Psychiatrists for the medical "how-to," this forum is for the "what it’s like." Share your experiences, your successes, and your journey with the community.
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Ray-of Sunshine 89
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[Seeking Help] What is everybody's experience on Venlafaxine?

Post by Ray-of Sunshine 89 »

Hello I am here

What is everybody's view on venlafaxine? I was put on it about 2 weeks ago and I am having really bad side effects. It seems my anxiety has been made worse, I am shaking and my sleep is very poor. I'm not sure what to do, do these side effects go away and if so when?

Keen to hear other people's experiences...hopefully I'm not alone

Bye for now x
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SecretBipolar
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Re: [Seeking Help] What is everybody's experience on Venlafaxine?

Post by SecretBipolar »

Greetings

I had very similar experience to you. I could not tolerate more than the same timescale you talk about due to side effects. They were deemed serious enough that I had to stop.

To complicate things though, I am bipolar and I am cognizant that antidepressants have a reputation for inducing a bipolar episode.

This was before I was properly diagnosed - the GP saw me in my state and instantly referred me.

I would honestly say if you are struggling that much go back to your GP and explain what is going on. I recently created a GP Cheat Sheet here: gp-cheat-sheet

Hopefully that will help, let us know how you get on. Good luck and take care.
Very best regards,
SecretBipolar

Diagnosis: Bipolar Type 2, Borderline Personality Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder Suspected
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Anxious Annie
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Re: [Seeking Help] What is everybody's experience on Venlafaxine?

Post by Anxious Annie »

My partner has just started it on an introductory dose (sorry I can not say which dose as it will be against forum rules). Its causing insomnia for him. Hopefully these side affects wear off!

Annie
I think my username gives away what I suffer from. :mrgreen:

PS: I was the 4th person registered!
Ray-of Sunshine 89
Posting Level - 15 Posts
Posting Level - 15 Posts
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2026 5:32 pm

Re: [Seeking Help] What is everybody's experience on Venlafaxine?

Post by Ray-of Sunshine 89 »

Hello thank you for replying

Yes I am going to persevere give it one more week to see if things settle down. I'm only just about to hit 2 weeks so maybe I am being premature. I will post again either before or after going to the GP.

Bye x
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