Anyone on Venlafaxine?

[kittykatt]

Hi everyone

I've been on Venlafaxine for about six weeks now (two weeks 37.5 mg, two weeks 75 mg and two days 150 mg then back to 112.5 mg as sedated for three days then back up to 150 mg for about seven days). For a few weeks now I have had these itchy lumps appear mostly on my arms and back like heat spots, very itchy. I've mentioned this to my consultant who says it could be the medication but unlikely and is it not bites?!!!! It seems a bit of a coincidence to me especially as my husband and baby do not have them! I have also had three days of very bad suicidal thoughts and aggression which terrified me which came on all of a sudden. Has anyone else had any of these side effects on this medication?

Thanks

KittyKatt. x

[Weeble]

Hi Kittykatt

Glad to see you are back, was watching for your posts to see what you had decide to do. I have not taken venlafaxine, but I had a horrible itchy lump reaction to sertraline which my GP said was a drug allergy and then when I had a similar thing with paroxetine they said it was a heat rash - How that happened during the snow in Jan i can not figure. Anyway I know it is not much help, but I would go and ask your GP, psychiatrists and about as good at dermatology as a GP is at Cardiac surgery. Your GP will see rashes all day every day so will have a better idea.

I totally understand the fear of the suicidal thoughts, I am currently refusing to go anywhere which sets me off as my suicidal thoughts got so out of control two weeks ago, I am fearful of being triggered off again. So really understand that one.

Finally on aggression if I can make you laugh I got so angry the other day I thought I might punch the sainsburys woman who did not know the price of the biscuit I had brought.

Keep in touch and pleased to see that you are still with us, totally selfishly if you stopped posting I would feel a little more alone


Kat

[sarajay28]

Hi Kittykat,

I am on venlafaxine (currently 37.5mg) but have been as high as 150mg. I have never had the lumps you speak about but have had immense itching at times with it, especially with the higher doses.

Like Kat advises, i would go and see your GP (or even try phoning your pharmacist?) as they will know better.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.xxx

[corinne]

Hi, I'm currently taking 225mg of venlafaxine. I was on 300mg but i'm gradually lowering the dosage. I've been on venlafaxine for about a year and haven't experienced the side effects you mentioned. I just found that I needed a high dosage before I felt any benefits. It definitely seems as though this drug does not agree with you and I would certainly go back and see your doctor. x

[kittykatt]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I spoke to my consultant on Thursday and she suggested my GP prescribe an anti-histamine. However, that same day it seemed the itching calmed down and now it is a lot better. Just have to get rid of all of the spot marks! I still feel very high one moment, ragey the next then low and calm another. I've been told the rage, suicical thoughts and agression are not related to the tablets but are probably more symptoms of the illness and the frustration of it/anger against being like this.

Honestly, I just feel like running away with my baby and coming back when I'm not this mess of a person!

Kat, you are not at all selfish, it is lovely when you have someone to talk to in your situation it makes you feel less alone. I'm pleased you are still with me and answering my threads too!

KittyKatt

[winegirl]

Glad the spots are on their way out hun.... Hopefully that is one less thing on your mind so you can concentrate further on your recovery?

WG x

[Weeble]

HI KittyKat

Wonder how you are doing today and if the sun has been shining where you live. Been wondering about your baby would love to know more about her or him so I can picture you better. Well done on getting help with the itching, I can imagine how irritating it was. Thanks for your kind words a couple of posts back. Will keep on answering your stuff if I have anything that is any use, if nothing else I you do know that we are listening

Kat

[kittykatt]

Thanks Kat

It's been a beautiful day here today it does help your mood a little dosen't it, if only it could take away the problem!

Side effects of the Venlafaxine seem to be passing so I'm persevering. Don't want another medication change!

My baby is a little boy, he's 7.5 months old and very, very active. He's doing great even if his mammy isn't which is a relief!

I may disappear from the site for a little while as I think I'm going to take up the offer of the M&B Unit. I feel like I'm relying so heavily on those around me they're suffering too and struggling to know what to do with me.

Hope you're okay today?

KittyKatt. x

[winegirl]

Hey KittyKatt

How are you doing? I am guessing you are on the MBU right now. I hope that is going ok for you??

Just wanted you to know that we are here and thinking of you hun xx

Love

WG x