Anyone on venlafaxine (efexor)?

Question

I've been on venlafaxine 150mg since January and it's working pretty well, but last night I forgot to take my usual dose and today I've felt SOOOOOO ill since lunchtime - dizzy, disorientated, sick, headachey and totally spaced out.

I've done this once before and it's horrible! Anyone else who's missed a dose - what's the best thing to do in that situation? Because I didn't want to take it when I remembered (at lunchtime) since it would be too close to my dose tonight, but is there anything else you can do to alleviate the symptoms?

I've given up and taken tonight's dose 4 hours early because I can't put up with the withdrawal symptoms any longer, I feel awful. But what's the best thing to do if I ever forget again?

Oh, and PLEASE - no-one copy and paste the instructions which come with the tablets........I know how they work, the side effects etc etc etc, I'm a doctor! I just want to know how other people deal with the side effects when they miss a dose.

Yes, I'm damn sure I'm a doctor, I didn't work my *** off for 6 years at university for nothing. And I'm terribly sorry for making a typo while I feel like I'm about to pass out!!!

Also, if you had done your research before jumping down my throat and trying to prove me wrong, you'd realise that venlafaxine has a relatively short half life, which means that one missed dose in sensitive patients CAN cause withdrawal effects.

So yes, these ARE withdrawal symptoms I am experiencing, and yes, apparently I AM that sensitive to my medication.

I'm on a once daily dose, and the reason I didn't take the tablet when I remembered at lunchtime today that I hadn't taken it, is because it would have been too close to tonight's dose. And as a doctor, I'm aware of the recommendations as to missed doses.

My question, was HOW TO DEAL WITH THE SYMPTOMS IN THE MEANTIME!!!

Answer 1

I have been on effexor for about 2 years now. As a doctor, you should first, know how to spell the name and second realize that drugs like that remain in the system. Missing one dose is probably not about to give you withdrawal symptoms. Are you sure what you've experienced are withdrawal symptoms?

IF you are that sensitive to your meds, (you should talk to your doctor about it) then if you missed a dose, you should take it the next day when you remember regardless of your schedule. (however, don't double dose and take your scheduled dose that evening).

I take my meds in the morning, and if I forgot in the morning but remember by lunch? Well, I'd take it as soon as I remembered! And go back to my regular schedule the following day. I have forgotten to take my dose a couple of times, with no ill effects.

Take 2 aspirin and call your doctor in the morning! Seriously you should be talking to you doctor about this.

Are you sure YOU are a doctor?

Answer 2

I've been on it for several years, and yes, the side effects from forgetting a dose are terrible. They are why I haven't been able to wean myself off it. The only thing I've found to do is to take the dose late, or if you're on the tablets like I am, take a 1/2 a dose. I also have reminder notes up in my house, an extra alarm that goes off, and extra tablets in my purse. If you're on capsules, maybe you could get some lower dose ones to take when this happens. I feel for you, truly.

Answer 3

Effexor is used primarily for the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder in adults. It is known as one of the most activating of the newer antidepressants. While this can be helpful to some, as a number of depressed patients report feeling exhausted and unmotivated, to others it poses the risk of increased anxiety and agitation.
Effexor is an effective antidepressant for many persons; however, it seems to be especially effective for those with treatment-resistant depression. Some of these persons have taken two or more antidepressants prior to Effexor with no relief. It has also been found to reduce the severity of 'hot-flashes' in menopausal women.

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In addition, a September 2004 Consumer Reports study ranked Effexor as the most effective among six commonly prescribed antidepressants. However, this should not be considered a definitive finding, and responses to psychiatric medications vary significantly from individual to individual.
Substantial weight loss in patients with major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia has been noted in taking Effexor, but the manufacturer does not recommend use as an anorectic either alone or in combination with phentermine or other amphetamine-like drugs.
Some common side effects of using Effexor include:
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Increased blood pressure
• Vertigo
• Dry mouth
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dizziness
• Vivid dreams
• Sweating

Answer 4

I am taking effexor xr, and I have also missed a dose on more than one occasion. The only thing I can recommend, Is taking some non drowsy anti-nausea meds, if that's a common symptom. And if you can stick it out until you are supposed to take your regular dose. I also take mine at night b/c it makes me a little sleepy. I hope this helps a little. Feel Better

Answer 5

check with your doctor