Brief Answer: Explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic! All antidepressants including venlafaxine can be associated with an increase in anxiety when they are first started or when the dose is hiked. But this usually settles down in a few days. The same is for gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. If you feel that your side effects have not started improving and are difficult to handle, then you should inform your doctor before stopping so that you can be prescribed an alternative. You are right in assuming that the dose will have to be increased as this is just the starting dose. All anti-depressants may have discontinuation symptoms when they are abruptly stopped. These last for just a few days. It is the same with venlafaxine. That is why, antidepressants should be tapered off, rather than stopping abruptly. It will not be a problem for you right now as you are on a very low dose and have not been on it for long. I personally feel that venlafaxine gives excellent results in people who can tolerate it. But there are so many other options that you need not feel disheartened. Discuss the side effects with your doctor and allow him to prescribe another anti-depressant. I hope this helps you. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry

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