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[Lisa1966]

Hi conolly, I didn't think transdermal hrt gave any increased risk of blood clots,don't quote me on that though

Lisa xx

[sweettooth]

Hi ladylollipop, sorry to hear u r struggling.  I take 150 venlafaxine was on 75 but as I got deeper into Meno it was increased.  I had to stop hrt and since then I have been struggling again on and off, I feel I need to increase ven  again but am hesitant because of constipation side effect!  It should work for you again you probably need to give it a little longer, have you had any benefit so far?

Lisa, do you get any side effect on your dose?

Stooth x

[Lisa1966]

I got rid of mine 15 years ago lol 😂 maybe he's not helping your anxiety,you need support

Lisa xx

[ladylollipop]

Hello sweettooth, thanks for you reply. Yes I do have a few benefits. I can sleep very well, and some days are already good. I could even travel to New york two weeks ago. I did ok on the plane but struggled the first 3 days in New York. ( maybe jetlag) I think I observe myself to much and don't realize the little things which maybe get better. I still struggle with awful thoughts. Especially in the morning. Are you not really doing well on 150mg?or would you say it's ok?why did you stop hrt?

[Lisa1966]

Hi stooth,I don't even know I'm on it,been on it ages

     Lisa xx

[CLKD]

I have taken an AD since 1988. 

The brain is an organ often forgotten.  Often the brain requires support regardless of causation.

[Conolly]

Hello conolly, thanks for your reply. Yes , reading the leaflet was not a good idea. I was on venlafaxine 3 times last time for 18 months and I can only tell you it helped me a lot. It is really worth a try. I don't understand what you mean because tapering of venla could be the reason for not getting the full effect? Maybe you can tell me again. Thanks lady lollipop 

Hi again!

I was just thinking that maybe some of your symptoms could be related to stopping the medication cold turkey. The leaflet calls it Discontinuation Syndrome.

Conolly X

[Conolly]

Hi conolly, I didn't think transdermal hrt gave any increased risk of blood clots,don't quote me on that though

Lisa xx

Hi Lisa,

You're right but I still don't want to risk it, blame it on health anxiety ☹️

Conolly X

[sweettooth]

ladylollipop no hrt because of BC I struggled anyway on it as it never balanced me but it helped my mood and energy.  Thanks Lisa it's good you don't notice any effects, it just has made my bowel lazy I know I may need to change but dread that as it can be very tricky!

[Tempest]

I saw my Neuro. on Tuesday and we are deciding between this, Duloxetine or Nortriptyline to help both my migraines and some of my MS symptoms.

I really need a preventative for my migraines,  as the white matter perfusion on the scans is worrying from old migraine damage. I am having migraine activity daily, so an abortive drug isn't going to be suitable for me.

I'm encouraged that the venlafaxine is helping you, ladylollipop. If it does a bit of 'double duty' for my menopause symptoms too, that can only be good! xxxx

[Tempest]

Lisa, just a thought - my Neuro. told me that at higher doses, the Venlafaxine acts more on Norepinephrine and can therefore be stimulating. Lower doses, it hits the seratonin receptors only. I'm wondering now that you are in menopause if this is in fact too much of a stimulating dose, and might be adding to or indeed causing your anxiety and agitation? Higher doses are more likely to cause sweating as a side effect too, whereas anything up to 75mg can actually help with hot flushes (it's a funny drug)!

These are just thoughts based on what I was reliably told, but it might be worth checking with your prescriber to see if your dose is still suitable for you at this time. xxxx

[Conolly]

Hello Tempest,


Do you know if there are significant differences between duloxetine and venlafaxine? I wonder why both are being prescribed under the NHS?
Conolly X

[Lisa1966]

Hi tempest,my dr is clueless anyway,but I've gone into a severe depression this last 2 days,really scared I'm going downhill again  :'(xx

[Wilks]

Hi, joining in because I tried both duloxetine and venlafaxine briefly about 4 years ago for depression. They are both SNRI type antidepressants and the biggest difference is that venlafaxine has a bigger range of doses to assist with eventual discontinuation. Duloxetine only has 2 strengths and it is more difficult to taper off it. The advice to people struggling to come off it is to open the capsule and count the beads, and gradually reduce the number you take (after returning them to the capsule).
I didn't tolerate either drug but I think duloxetine should have smaller dose strengths.

[Conolly]

Hello Wilks,


Thank you very much. May I ask why didn't you tolerate them?
Conolly X