I just started Venlafaxine and...

[Skelly88]

first day I tarted it I was a bit nervous and what not, the doctor has me on 75 mg tablets 2 times daily.  So I took 1 tablet yesterday morning,  I was nervous about it, just afraid of any negative side effects.  then throughout the day I felt okay.  then I took it at night, went out to the store, came home, laid down, and started having a panic attack, first day on the meds so thats understandable. Then this morning I wake up, take it at 11:00 am.  I've felt anxious ever since.  My heart rate is elevated, I feel tired, and like...If i get up to do something.  my muscles get really tired really quick and my heart rate elevates more, when i sit down it slows down and speeds up, slows down and speeds up.  and then it'll feel funny when it beats. I'm really really really nervous and if someone mentions any heart defects that I cojuld have, I'd prolly have at terrible panic attack i bet.  ugh..i'm scared.

[flob]

i meant to say...'but i don't know if this is one of them'

so much for rereading before you post.

[flob]

good luck. you know usually when we start new meds...we work ourselves all up for nothing. at least, i do. i can't speak for everyone...but i know for the first couple weeks, even if i've been on it before, i imagine every terrible thing that can go wrong, and then it never does and i end up in a better state of mind. i hope it will be the same for you.

it's not at all unexpected to have a fast/pounding heartbeat when you're experiencing so much anxiety. one thing to keep in mind, and i don't know if this applies to venlafaxine...but some antidepressants can cause somewhat of an irregular heart beat as a side effect. but, if this is one of them...so if you experience that, you might see what your doc thinks.

hope this med works for u.

[cj29]

Sometimes these meds can take a good couple of weeks to start to feel the benefits, in my experience.  They actually raised my anxiety a little while my body adjusted to them...furthermore, I was extremely nervous about taking them as well.  Just ensure you stay in communication with your doctor and give it a little time.  You will get through this...it is a challenge but everyone here as been in the same place as you are, so please know you are not alone in this...keep us posted!