I've been on 37.5 mg for about eight years. I increased my dose to 75 mg about a week ago as I have been very stressed and anxious. Today I had a passing-out episode, and I've been having insomnia for the past 5 nights. These issues prompted me to do some research. I am perplexed about what I found. Back in May, I had a seizure out of the blue. Of course, they ran all the test on my brain and no apparent reason for the seizure. General doc and Neurologist both said seizure is not a side effect of venlafaxine. However, in my research, every list of side effects shows SEIZURE. I've also had headaches, fatigue, irritability, irrational excitement, and tremors. I want OFF this med. I'm not finding anything about weaning off capsules. Only tablets. How do I lessen the dose of a capsule? I've posted a question to my doc about the weaning-off process. Should I see a psychiatrist rather than my general doc?
Venlafaxine hcl ER capsule?
Question posted by Mimi2Love on 24 March 2023
Last updated on 1 June 2023 by WildcatVet
3 Answers
Hi, Mimi!
"Although listed as an adverse reaction, seizure activity associated with a therapeutic dose of venlafaxine has rarely been documented. A review of the literature reveals only 2 cases of venlafaxine-induced seizures, both of which were generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients on doses at the higher end of the therapeutic range. "
"Extended release:
-Initial dose: 75 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 75 to 225 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose:
--- Moderately depressed outpatients: 225 mg/day
--- Severely depressed inpatients: 375 mg/day"
*****"Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it."*****
You would get non-equal amounts of the drug in each half.
Hope this is helpful.
Hi Mimi, this may be a moot point by now since I’ve taken so long to answer, but here is what I’ve done with capsules: pull the two sides apart and empty into a small dish. Sprinkle about half of the contents into a beverage, then use a funnel to pour the other half into a tiny Ziploc. I use the type you can find at craft stores that are about 1“ x 1“. Sure it’s a bit of a pain, but you can do it!!
Yes, a specialist like a Psychiatrist is more knowledgeable regarding psychotropic medications and can better help you discontinue this antidepressant.
Related topics
anxiety, insomnia, hairy cell leukemia, venlafaxine, dosage, emergency room, capsule
Further information
- Venlafaxine uses and safety info
- Venlafaxine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
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