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Venlafaxine Treatment Report

Category: Prescription Drugs

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Generic Name: Venlafaxine

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104 patient evaluations for Venlafaxine

Purposes: Depressed mood and Major Depressive Disorder (Started Mar 23, 2013)
Date Dosage Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Apr 18, 2013 225 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Apr 18, 2013
Advice & Tips
Taking this medication has changed my life greatly. I went from wanting to literally kill myself to being able to smile and laugh with my family and friends again. I have smiled more since I have been on this medication than since I can really remember. The only bad part about the medication is some insurances do not cover it and it is very expensive. It can range from 50 dollars to well over 100. If you have any type of Medicaid you have to get a pre-authorization.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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Purposes: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymia, Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy, Depressed mood, and Anxious mood (Started Oct 04, 2009)
Date Dosage Generalized Anxiety Disorder Perceived effectiveness Dysthymia Perceived effectiveness Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy Perceived effectiveness Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Anxious mood Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Feb 07, 2013 24.75 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ? Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ModerateModerateModerateModerate AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Mar 01, 2010 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default MildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways SomewhatSomewhatSomewhatSomewhat
Nov 13, 2009 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ? MildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Oct 28, 2009 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 ModerateModerateModerateModerate AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways A littleA littleA littleA little
Side effects:
Excessive daytime sleepiness (somnolence), Sleepiness, Somnolence, Orthostatic Postural Hypotension, Sexual dysfunction, Apathy, Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Date
Feb 07, 2013
Advice & Tips
Effects both positive and adverse, both expected and unexpected, are pretty noticeable. Venlafaxine effects appear and fade much more rapidly than with SSRIs, and may change over time. By the time I stopped, I had been down to the lowest available dose of 25mg daily, which still seemed necessary for mood control, for a long time. It's been mostly helpful, and rarely burdensome except for the way it multiplies the effects of alcohol. Best unexpected benefit: mood control (less panicky/angry responses to cognitive dissonance). Intolerable imputed effect: Vividly unpleasant dreams, waking hyperventilating.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Mar 01, 2010
Advice & Tips
Adverse effects now virtually disappear for me at 25 mg daily. This could change: some effects like the pounding in the ears at night or postural hypotension had previously disappeared at 37.5 mg; alarmingly rapid heart rate appeared over time at the same dosage (possibly associated with the transient hypotension). I'm still getting the good effects for the neuropathy, and the drug seems to act synergetically with cannabis in this area. The hypotension effect is probably aggravated by alcohol.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Nov 13, 2009
Advice & Tips
Venlaxafine seemed effective (within limits) for peripheral neuropathy and positive for relief of depression. Physical adverse effects at this dosage seemed minimal if any. Unresolved: Did this drug bliss me out too much, keeping me passive and lazy? And did it make me more suddenly irritable? I quit because of a pharmacy restriction (ironically based on the fact that I was taking "too little" of the drug), and will resume the trial once I talk to my primary provider in about 10 days.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Oct 28, 2009
Advice & Tips
Venlafaxine by itself seems both to increase my alertness and to bliss me out a little too much; I get lethargic at 75 mg daily. Even at 37.5 mg, I've added (after a bit of research) my previous low dose of bupropion (25 mg) back into the mix as a counterbalancing "upper". Although intermittent, I'm seeing some direct effects on the depression: e.g., posture as well as mood.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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Purposes: Anorexia Nervosa, Depressed mood, Major Depressive Disorder, and Anorexia (appetite loss) (Started Feb 01, 2009)
Date Dosage Anorexia Nervosa Perceived effectiveness Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Anorexia (appetite loss) Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jan 07, 2013 225 mg Daily ? Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default SevereSevereSevereSevere UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA little
Jun 30, 2011 225 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default SevereSevereSevereSevere UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA little
Nov 17, 2010 225 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ? ModerateModerateModerateModerate UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA little
Oct 13, 2010 225 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ? ModerateModerateModerateModerate UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA little
Oct 11, 2010 150 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_default ? ModerateModerateModerateModerate AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways A littleA littleA littleA little
Side effects:
Night sweats, Feeling faint (presyncope), Orthostatic Postural Hypotension, Brain zaps, Dizziness, Heart palpitations, Temperature dysregulation, Memory lapses (brain blinks)
Date
Jan 07, 2013
Advice & Tips
Be very careful of this drug. It worked for a while but stopping me falling into the deep lows, but having come off it I realised it has been like living through a fog the last 4 years. I have been sleepwalking and I am just waking up. I can feel a whole range of emotions, happiness even, that was hazed in gray before. The side effects of coming off them were horrible, but worth it to Feel again. I felt dizzy, drunk, I slurred and my depth perception was off. I lost balance and images seemed to flicker, I couldn't always tell if the ground was level, I forgot things easily, lost my train of thought, felt disconnected and at times euphoric but countered by the instability. Now I am calming down, I found my energy is up so much, insomnia came back but I don't care, I can stay awake more than 6 hours and I can do things without feeling so tired. I am more productive, more creative and just more Me now that I am off them. Only take anti depressants when you have no other safe choice. I was at that point, but I was so low I was bullied into by the doctors, I believe in learning to live with and recognise my symptoms so I can get help. I want to try natural remedies in future if I get into a Low again because just not feeling the acute despair was not worth giving up feeling everything else for.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Jun 30, 2011
Advice & Tips
WARNING: There are SERIOUS withdrawal symptoms from missing a dose and discontinuing this drug. I seriously recommend talking to your GP about side effects and withdrawal symptoms before considering this treatment and to take into account your reliability for taking the drugs on time!
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Oct 13, 2010
Advice & Tips
Forgetting to take my medication is the main problem as the withdrawal symptoms are severe, 'brain zaps' dizziness, lightheadedness, problems focusing, slurred speak, slight visual impairment, heart palpitations and confusion. When I am taking it regularly it does not improve my mood, but prevents me from falling into severe lows; I feel as though I am hit a safety net a neutral or slight low rather than spiralling into severe depression.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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Purposes: Depressed mood, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (Started Oct 10, 2003)
Date Dosage Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Borderline Personality Disorder Perceived effectiveness Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Nov 15, 2012 150 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Feb 18, 2011 150 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Nov 07, 2009 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Mar 25, 2009 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Dec 10, 2008 37.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4 NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Nov 15, 2012
Advice & Tips
I was taking a 300mg dose of this medication and slowly tapered off of it over a course of six weeks. Everything was fine during the taper, it was just getting off that final dose (75mg) that was hard. I felt like I had the flu: shivering, nausea, loss of appetite.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Nov 07, 2009
Advice & Tips
This has been an excellent medication for me as long as I take it every day as prescribed.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Mar 25, 2009
Advice & Tips
Take this medication at the same time everyday and do not skip more than one day of taking it or else you will begin to feel horrible withdrawal symptoms. But I have Effexor XR to be extremely effective in treating my depression. I would caution anyone that considers taking this drug for a long period of time to be aware that it can be very difficult to get off of. You will need to titrate down your dose in very small increments under your doctor's supervision.
Date
Dec 10, 2008
Advice & Tips
As best you can, take this medication at the same time every day. For a long time I was taking only 150mg a day and didn't feel any benefits from the medication. However, when my psychiatrist increased my dose to 300mg a day, I could detect a significant improvement in mood. This is a relatively high dose for this medication and it can cause an increase in blood pressure. Fortunately this has not been an issue for me but might be something for others to take into consideration. Also, I take the XR-capsules and I can tell a difference between the XR and non-XR.
Cost
$200+ monthly
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Purposes: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depressed mood, and Major Depressive Disorder (Started Aug 16, 2012)
Date Dosage Generalized Anxiety Disorder Perceived effectiveness Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Sep 07, 2012 25 mg Daily Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default NoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
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  • pan43
    Sex: M
    Data Quality: 3 stars
    Major Depressive Disorder
    Depression: 0
    Mania: 0
    Emotional: 0
    Anxiety: 0
    Compulsion: 0
    External Stress: Moderate
    Rx
    61 M
    Function: High
    Distress: Low
  • 28834-thumb
  • by pan43
  • See pan43's full Venlafaxine history
Purposes: Major Depressive Disorder and Depressed mood (Started Oct 10, 2006)
Date Dosage Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Depressed mood Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Sep 03, 2012 100 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Sep 03, 2012
Advice & Tips
Slight sexual dysfunction. As long as I take it several hours before sexual activity it is no problem. A big benefit is the leveling out of emotions.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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  • Wavewatcher
    Sex: F
    Data Quality: 3 stars
    MS: 16 yrs
    Type: Secondary Progressive
    Relapse: Severe
    Sensation: Severe
    Overall: Moderate
    Cognition: moderate
    Vision: moderate
    Speech: moderate
    Swallowing: moderate
    Upper limb: moderate
    Walking: moderate
  • 54429-thumb
  • by Wavewatcher
  • See Wavewatcher's full Venlafaxine history
Purpose: Major Depressive Disorder (Started Aug 15, 2012)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Aug 15, 2012 300 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major NoneNoneNoneNoneNone AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
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Purposes: Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Dysthymia (Started Jul 01, 2010)
Date Dosage Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Generalized Anxiety Disorder Perceived effectiveness Dysthymia Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jul 09, 2012 200 mg Daily Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_1Led_defaultLed_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_1Led_defaultLed_defaultLed_default MildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Jul 09, 2012
Advice & Tips
I have a pill box that is divided for AM and PM dosages. Two together made me sleepy, took 1 in AM, waited 6 hrs took other pill.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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Purposes: Dysthymia and Major Depressive Disorder (Started Jul 20, 2008)
Date Dosage Dysthymia Perceived effectiveness Major Depressive Disorder Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jun 22, 2012 300 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Side effects:
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Date
Jun 22, 2012
Advice & Tips
I can really tell if I take a dose late, my mood tanks quite badly, as well as the "electric Zotty" feeling I get. I take it when I first get up in the AM.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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Purpose: Depressed mood (Started Jul 05, 2002)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jun 15, 2012 150 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Jun 15, 2012
Advice & Tips
My Doctor and I felt the Effexor was no longer working as perscribed. He switched me too Zolft which I began taking after whinning me off of the Effexor. I have been on Zoloft since June - so far I am not seeing much positive effects.
Cost
< $25 monthly
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