Hi, I started on Venlaxine 37.5mg in July and 1 week later went up to 75mg. I was already on 20mg Amitriptyline and 120mg Verapamil. For the first few weeks I had terrible anxiety in the morning which would wear off as the day went on. I asked my GP about this and it is a known initial side effect because as an SNRI the drug has a stimulating effect before it then calms the brain. The anxiety gradually became less and less as the therapeutic effects of the drug kicked in. I think it took about six weeks to really fully feel the positive benefits. You have to stick with the drugs as the longer you are on them, the more they help. I am now pretty much better and am planning to return to work in the New Year. This time last year I was very ill and just getting worse and worse to the point where I spent the whole month of Feb and some of March in bed. I found meditation to be very useful while pushing through the worst of the drug related anxiety (Deepak Chopra’s Soul of Healing Meditations are fab). You will know after 6 weeks or so if it’s helping. Good luck.
4 Likes