Venlafaxine

[killi_man]

Does anybody have any experiences with transitioning from fluoxetine to venlafaxine?

[lcg]

no....but look up here:
http://www.mims.co.uk/Tables/882430/Switching-Antidepressants/

mims or the maudsley guidelines are the best to look at x

[lcg]

the advice given to reduce fluoxetine is:
No dose tapering required if dose ≤20mg daily
Reduce over 2 weeks if dose >20mg daily

the advice to start venlafaxine is:
starting venlafaxine at 37.5mg daily and increasing very slowly1

hope this helps x

[killi_man]

Yes it does, thank you 'lcg'

[lcg]

s'all right.....i'm a psych nurse, so am happy to help with any questions at all. good luck with things - i take venlafaxine and it's a godsend for me x

[killi_man]

I wasn't doubting your authority but you are obviously a proper expert!! I hope it will become my friend too :-) Thanks again for your help

[lcg]

no, no...i didn't think that at all. venlafaxine is also good for anxiety symptoms as it is an ssni drug - it works on the adrenal system which causes anxiety's physical symptoms. it might also be worth mentioning that cbt (cognitive behavioural therapy) may help with anxiety if this is a problem at all. regards, lcg x

[killi_man]

I am seeing a counsellor (really hate saying that!) but that's more for depression, anxiety isn't a major problem only in the background in certain situations. Thanks for clarifying the adrenal system function, I hadn't found that anywhere else, makes sense! x

[lcg]

it's alright.....don't ever be ashamed of your mental health issues! i am completely bonkers, yet am able to be a nurse and teach medical students; and i live my life to the full. it does not and never should define who you are, but as a part which adds to the whole person. life would be very boring if we were all perfect, wouldn't it? x

[killi_man]

It would be very boring indeed. I have no desire to be rich either but I wouldn't mind have a few days landing my helicopter in my 20 acre back garden!!! Infact that's not quite true, I have no desire to do anything like that at all, a few days being perfect would be cool though. I'm not surprised you're bonkers being a nurse and teaching at the same time!!!