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What Causes Mood Swings And Depression While On Venlafaxine?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Question: I am a 33 year old female, full time employee and wife and mother of two toddlers 3 and 4 years old. I have been taking 225 ml of venlafaxine twice a day for 2 years and the symptoms haven't stopped, just lessened. I am currently experiencing mood swings-anger, night sweats, loss of interest in activities, increased appetite, tiredness and boredom-feeling like I have nothing to do when in reality I have a lot of things I should be doing. I don't want to take another drug that will give other symptoms and I already feel that I am taking a lot of milligrams a day as it is. I am also extremely overweight and am unable to find the energy to do anything about it. My mother suffers from depression, as did her mother before her, but both are from the old school belief that you keep your problems to yourselves and don't involve anyone else. One of my sisters is currently be treated for depression and I believe two others should be as well (family of 8), possibly one brother too. Should I ask my doctor to up my dosage AGAIN, or is there anything I can do to RID myself of these symptoms altogether? Thanks for the advice and help. XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Needs management and modifications

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. The reason your depression is not relieving is because you have been it in other way around. Medications just help but it is always more than meds. Your lifestyle and routine and your 24 hours activities altogether decide your depression.

As far as medications are concerned. i am afraid these are already the highest possible limits a doctor can prescribe. Although venlafaxine is maximally used 375 mg a day but that in the ultimate severe depression. 225 mg per day is for the moderate depression.

All your symptoms are due to depression. Apart from the medication , you need to do something at your individual level . The first and foremost thing is losing weight . Sign up to an FDA approved program and start exercising and start losing weight at a slow and steady pace. The slower you lose the better it is. Stay natural.

Apart from losing weight there are many lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you reduce depression episodes. Read this for further guidance
http://goo.gl/DTfi7J

This increased appetite is the the main culprit . its called binge eating and it indicates severe depression. Read more about binge eating disorder here.
http://goo.gl/TyquR1

Sign up to some group therapy discussion programs and get some psychotherapy sessions. Increase outdoor activities and get some vocational and recreational rehab. Stay in touch with your psychiatrist. You can do it XXXXXXX

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Mood Swings And Depression While On Venlafaxine?

Brief Answer: Needs management and modifications Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. The reason your depression is not relieving is because you have been it in other way around. Medications just help but it is always more than meds. Your lifestyle and routine and your 24 hours activities altogether decide your depression. As far as medications are concerned. i am afraid these are already the highest possible limits a doctor can prescribe. Although venlafaxine is maximally used 375 mg a day but that in the ultimate severe depression. 225 mg per day is for the moderate depression. All your symptoms are due to depression. Apart from the medication , you need to do something at your individual level . The first and foremost thing is losing weight . Sign up to an FDA approved program and start exercising and start losing weight at a slow and steady pace. The slower you lose the better it is. Stay natural. Apart from losing weight there are many lifestyle and dietary changes that can help you reduce depression episodes. Read this for further guidance http://goo.gl/DTfi7J This increased appetite is the the main culprit . its called binge eating and it indicates severe depression. Read more about binge eating disorder here. http://goo.gl/TyquR1 Sign up to some group therapy discussion programs and get some psychotherapy sessions. Increase outdoor activities and get some vocational and recreational rehab. Stay in touch with your psychiatrist. You can do it XXXXXXX I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan