← Return to Restarting meds: Did your anti-depressant work the 2nd time around?

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@farmmama

Good morning,

I am new here, stumbled across this looking for some answers (and hope). A little back story, I was on Venlafaxine XR 75mg from 2007 to 2020 (for anxiety), when I began a slow taper. From January 2020 to January 2021 I was down to 21mg and had not had any withdrawal. January 2021 I got the 1st dose of Pfizer COVID vaccine and something happened, heart rate increased and panic attack that night. I began having terrible panic attacks, I couldn't eat (lost 30 pounds), couldn't sleep, was a shell of my previous self. After waiting and hoping for relief, I slowly titrated the med up and not getting any relief until 50mg. This was June 2021. I remain on that dose and for the most part was ok and enjoying life. I got COVID the first time end of May 2022 and had an increase in anxiety for approximately 8 weeks post virus. Now, sept 2022, I feel a downward spiral. I'm tearful, fatigued, anxious, watch the clock at work, dizzy, arms feel heavy/sore. I saw my GP and she recommended going up to 75mg (blood work was normal). Has anyone suffered a withdraw then went back to the previous dose and found relief? It terrifies me that it won't work and will have to taper again.

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Replies to "Good morning, I am new here, stumbled across this looking for some answers (and hope). A..."

Hi Farmmamma (love the name), welcome. I'm so sorry to hear that COVID has interrupted your taper. So many factors that potentially contributed to your downward spiral. But you're getting help and you're not alone. You may have noticed that I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Restarting meds: Did your anti-depressant work the 2nd time around?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/restarting-anti-depressant/

I did this so you can read the previous very helpful experiences and connect easily with members like @sheton66 @amandaxoxo1 @aethos @supersteve @rob33 and others.

Farmmamma, if I'm reading your message correctly venlafaxine was working well for you from 2007 to 2020. May I ask what led to your wanting to taper in 2020?