I started taking venlafaxine XR two days ago and I’ve never been in so much pain in my life. The first day started okay, I was a little nauseous, but it was okay. Then it really kicked in and it felt like I was completely disconnected from reality. I couldn’t feel any emotion, I became very numb, my brain started to feel weird and tingly, I couldn’t concentrate, had no desire to do anything productive like school work, I had no desire in my hobbies, I felt like a zombie. I didn’t really sleep at all because my brain felt so empty and if I did sleep, it was dreamless and 15 minutes max. I went into a manic episode through the night and it was not fun. The following day is today and school was a nightmare. I experienced very big pupils, severe pain on the right side of my skull and right eye, pressure in both of my eyes, a clenched jaw, heart palpitations and chest pain, I was yawning every couple of minutes but I didn’t feel tired, I couldn’t focus on my school work and didn’t even care. It got rid of my irrational anxiety, but also my rational anxiety that helps me get things done. It got rid of all emotions and interests, made me feel euphoric like I was on another plane of existence and that nothing mattered, I was very aware of myself and not aware of my surroundings, I’m severely dizzy and lightheaded and my vision keeps getting blurry. I keep seeing white and black spots in my vision, as well.
I would never recommend this and I was on a very low dose (37.5mg) and only two days on it and I feel worse than I ever did trying to manage my anxiety and depression without the meds.
If you have a family history of eye problems, cholesterol and blood pressure issues, issues with bipolar disorder or manic disorders, or if you already experience migraines, lightheadedness and things to do with the heart (murmur, palpitations, skipping heartbeat, etc) I would definitely not suggest taking this drug.
The withdrawal immediately if you don’t take it at the same time as the last pill is terrifying as well. I was half an hour past my window because I forgot to take my pill (since they were new) and my hands began to shake severely, I could barely move I was so sick to my stomach, I was lightheaded and had vertigo, just not a fun experience.
If it does help, just know that going off of them or not being consistent is going to feel horrible because you’re body instantly becomes reliant on the drug and the withdrawal symptoms are ten times worse than the symptoms of simply taking it.
I would recommend literally any other drug for depression or anxiety, but hats off to you if it helped you.Read More Read Less