Meds Side Effects

[nailit]

Ive been on venlafaxine for the past 4 weeks.
Initially had a bit of nausea and dry mouth but that's now gone. However, have still got a few other side effects including lethargy and tiredness, the feeling that ive got a tight band around my head, blurred vision and concentration problems.
On the plus side, my mood is improved and I havnt drank since Ive been on them. I'm also sleeping well again.
Anyone else had experience of these meds? Will these other side effects lessen in time?
Feel at the mo that the negatives are outweighing the positives.
Thanks.

[jourdain2]

Don't know the meds. - but the plus side is pretty strong, in fact imperative to hang on to, hang on in there I'm sure someone will come along with more medical knowledge than I.

[237SJ]

Maybe you can ask here https://www.drugs.com/answers/support-group/venlafaxine/

[Mamyalynne]

If you feel the negatives are outweighing the positives you need to discuss this with someone - certainly the improvement in mood is excellent and maybe they can find a dose or something similar to venlafaxine without as many side issues.

[nailit]

Thanks for speedy replies guys. I'm certainly a different person than I was a month ago when I ended up in the funny farm for a couple of weeks. I'm a bit loath to consider coming of them, but the lethargy and 'tight band' feeling around my head etc are getting to me a bit.
Thanks for that link 237, will have a look.

[Mamyalynne]

Good link from 237 - do not stop them, you knew that anyway.

Good luck Nailit and well done.

[237SJ]

A tight band around the head, blurred vision and concentration problems says 'stress' to me.

[nailit]

Thanks Mamy :-)

[nailit]

237, don't feel stressed at all, quiet the opposite. Only really had these effects since been on these meds

[jakep]

Improved mood, no alcohol and sleeping better are HUGE positives, what good news. As you already know, 4 weeks is early days for this sort of medication. Give it another month, maybe, and see what happens it's the side effects.
I was given venlafaxine and two others before we foun that fluoxetine suited me best, but we're all different.
So pleased you are out on the other side of that crisis x

[jakep]

.....with the side effects.....

[NoMercy]

The side effects should subside over the next few weeks. They're just bedding in so I would recommend you persevere with them, particularly as you seem to be deriving marked benefit from them.

[waterboatman]

Good advice nailit. Stick with it mate, side effects may lessen as your body gets a bit more used to them.

Good luck mate.

[Islay]

nailit when is your next appointment with your GP?
Any concerns with medication really should be discussed with your medical professional, good to hear that you are feeling a wee bit better though xx

[EDDIE51]

Just to add to the others, the benefits far outweigh the side effects, stick with it. Well done nalit.

[ummmm]

I would persevere for the time being and have a word with your GP at your next appointment. You're doing well.

[Tilly2]

This is what it says on the NHS website, Nails.

How to cope with side effects
What to do about:
feeling sick – try taking venlafaxine with or after food. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food.
feeling sleepy – cut down the amount of alcohol you drink
being unable to sleep – take venlafaxine first thing in the morning
a dry mouth – chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets
You can reduce the chance of having a side effect that bothers you if you take venlafaxine in the evening. That way you're asleep when the level of medicine in your body is highest.

Well done so far. Keep going...upwards.

[Patsy33]

Hi Nailit, so glad you're improving. I know Venlafaxine can take 2-3 months before they truly work. Stick with it but in the meantime, if concerned, have a word with your doctor. We are all very proud of you! :-)

[nailit]

Many thanks for additional replies and thanks for support and encouragement, I appreciate it.
Got go back to see my GP in a couple of weeks anyway so can discuss it then, just hoping these side effects at least lessen a bit if not go away entirely. As has been said, might have to stick with it for a few months.
Thanks again for each and every reply.

[seekeerz]

I've been on Efexor for 17 years ....still have the dry mouth but has fixed the anxiety/panic attacks ...I've had the problem since late teens, too many years to think about !!

I must admit I'd be a bit concerned about side effects you have now ...any chance you could just check back with your GP before you see him/her again by phone?

Good luck with everything xx