Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: ladylollipop on September 08, 2024, 06:03:33 PM
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Hello, I haven’t been here for a while but now a question popped up and maybe you can help me. Iam dealing with these menopause symptoms since 2015. I am 59 now. I was on HRT and took venlafaxin Since more than a year now I only took venlafaxin 37,5 mg ( the lowest dose) every second day. Five weeks ago my doctor suggested to stop it completely. Today I am nervous the whole day and now I am anxious that this anxiety and awful feeling might come back. Honestly can’t imagine that it has to do with this very low dose of venlafaxin which I stopped weeks ago. What do you think? Any experiences? Thanks for your answer in advance.
Best wishes
Lady Lollipop
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Hi Ladylollipop,
I was on quite a high dose of venlafaxine 300mg for about 8 years and the withdrawal was very tough. It took several months before I felt properly back to normal. Magnesium glycinate might be worth a try as it's really calming. When I was withdrawing off the venlafaxine it helped to get outside as much as possible and lots of walks. As you were on a much lower dose hopefully this anxiety will pass a lot quicker and you'll be feeling much better very soon.
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Hello K45, thanks for your reply. I just talked to my GP ( also a friend , so I could text her tonight) and she suggested to go back to my low dose. I think I will do it as it looks like I still need it and menopause symptoms aren’t over :'(. Did you never need to go back on Venlafaxin?
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What was the reason for stopping a medication if it was working?
Bounce back anxiety is common during withdrawal which should be done under supervision. Some ADs can be stopped immediately, others need weaning.
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I think that makes sense as it's a low dose and if it's working then best to stick with it. My health improved a lot when I got my dog and started walking 1.5 hrs every day so haven't restarted it but it definitely is one of the more effective antidepressants. Hope your symptoms quickly resolve once it's back in your system.
Hello K45, thanks for your reply. I just talked to my GP ( also a friend , so I could text her tonight) and she suggested to go back to my low dose. I think I will do it as it looks like I still need it and menopause symptoms aren’t over :'(. Did you never need to go back on Venlafaxin?