Hi there,

I was prescribed Venlafaxine (Effexor) in June. As my mood deteriorated, my doctor prescribed more and then more venlafaxine. I had a bad feeling and so apart from about a week where I was taking 150mg I took myself back down. The last 8 weeks I was in a rapid cycling state, happy almost Moyer for first two hours, then angry and then deeply depressed, all with 4-5 hours. This would happen every three days and went on until 3 weeks ago when I was just in crisis. I asked for a mood stabiliser as it was really clear I needed one however, the Psychiatrists just told me to stop venlafaxine. I am sensitive to medication but withdrawal from Venlafaxine put me in actual hell. I've had to go back on a very small dose and will now somehow taper it down over the n ct 4 months.

Please take caution. Make sure your prepared and have all the info. I suspect I am bi-polar due to the way antidepressants have effected me. I won't know anything for sure until I'm clear of the SNRI withdrawal effects as many mimic psychological issues - depression, anxiety, irritation etc.