Latest news with #socialanxiety
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Japan Times
How ‘hikikomori' shut-ins ‘start to have dreams for the future'
Yusuke Morishima is the vice president of Quietude, a company based in Nagano that provides services in everything from translation, interpretation, counseling and consulting to job recruiting. But as of 2019, he had been a hikikomori — a social recluse who rarely leaves their home or makes contact with others — for five years. 'Being in a large group was always exhausting to me,' says Morishima, 33. 'I was overly concerned about the people around me, and it really affected my mental health. Eventually, I stopped going to school, and then when I became even more tired, I stopped going out altogether and became a hikikomori.' But after attending Samurai Gakuen (Samugaku for short), a school based in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, that has been providing specialized education for hikikomori and troubled youth for 20 years, Morishima managed to not only overcome his social anxiety but earn gainful employment at Quietude — and then move up the ranks to boot. He's not the only one to come out of the program with his life changed. Masahiro Minemura, 43, had been a hikikomori for 15 years and also served two years in prison. But after studying at Samugaku and eventually earning his high school diploma, he got a sales and delivery job at Yamato Transport. School founder and director Hidetaka Nagaoka remembers attending university to become a teacher, where he recalls being fed a certain narrative by his professors: that all students were the same. Samurai Gakuen accepts students ranging from teenagers to middle-age men and women who have withdrawn from the workforce and social activities. | SAMURAI GAKUEN 'I was shocked by this so-called fact, and my desire to resist it grew stronger and stronger,' he says. After touring over a hundred schools and educational facilities across Japan, he founded Samugaku and its unique approach to education, providing tailored programs to all ages (current students range from 14 to 46 years old). 'We believe that it is possible to learn and grow at any age,' Nagaoka says. 'And since most of our students are adults, our educational goals are focused on financial independence and psychological independence, which we call 'basic life skills.'' In essence, the goal of the school is for its graduates to be able to live ordinary, self-sufficient lives in terms of their financial situations, mental stability, social networks and support systems. Many students need assistance of the most basic level. Introductory-level classes help students wake up in the morning, eat three meals a day and adjust to a proper sleep schedule. Former student Tomoaki Ogawauchi, who now works full-time at Quietude, recalls that as a hikikomori, he ate and slept whenever he wanted, causing difficulties for his family. 'But coming here and living in the dorm, we have to follow the schedule and rules,' says Ogawauchi, 27. 'I had to learn the importance of following a routine to respect the staff and other students now that we were all together.' Teaching former "hikikomori" shut-ins actionable employment skills can help them more easily reintegrate back into an active role in society. | SAMURAI GAKUEN The school offers seven courses, ranging from basic physical self-care to cooking and eating; house hunting and cleaning; self-exploration through psychology and philosophy; understanding others; social studies and interacting in public; and enjoying life through hobbies and passions. The last stage of schooling prepares students for graduation by assisting them with job hunting and establishing independent living situations. Current student Yukiko Sasai says that special events such as a 15-kilometer walk have helped her with her determination. 'I used to think that school was purely something that I hated, but now I don't mind it nearly as much,' says Sasai, 28. 'Although at first I struggled to get along with other people, I've really improved those relationships.' 'Learning to think for myself was a big part of my experience at Samugaku,' reflects Minemura. 'I came to realize that I wanted to find something that I wanted to do for myself.' The phenomenon of hikikomori was first identified in the 1990s. The condition is characterized as a severe form of social withdrawal, where individuals stay at home and refrain from social participation such as schooling, work or socializing for more than six months. The number of hikikomori in Japan is estimated to be nearly 1.5 million in total and over 2% of 15- to 64-year-olds. In recent years, the malaise is now manifesting in other countries such as South Korea, China, the United States, Spain and France. Lessons at Samurai Gakuen encompass more than traditional classroom learning, broadening to outdoor activities that help students develop new interests. | SAMURAI GAKUEN Nagoya University professor Tadaaki Furuhashi, who researches hikikomori in Japan and France, says that modern science still hasn't identified the physiological cause of the syndrome or if it even is a pathological condition in the first place. 'This question will determine what kind of measures and responses are needed to help address it,' Furuhashi says. 'Hikikomori occurs in two stages,' he explains. 'The first stage is a 'trigger' stage that causes the individual to withdraw from normal life. Then, in the second stage, the individual finds the withdrawal comfortable and no longer wants to return to normal life.' According to Furuhashi, in France, hikikomori are not seen as having mental illnesses or as being a burden on society — in contrast to Japan, where the media and politicians lament these individuals and treat them as serious issues. 'So long as society views the hikikomori condition in a negative way, it will continue to be difficult for individuals to return to society,' Furuhashi says, adding that the role of the internet and video games should not be discounted in helping the second stage feel more comfortable. Lessons at Samurai Gakuen encompass more than traditional classroom learning, broadening to outdoor activities that help students develop new interests. | SAMURAI GAKUEN Students at Samugaku cited various 'triggers' for the start of their withdrawal: parental divorces, bullying at school, social anxiety, or simply the feeling of struggling to keep up with their peers. Momoka Taira, a 14-year-old who lost her mother two years ago, was receiving social support from her local government when she lost faith in adults. 'Grown-ups started to scare me and I thought I couldn't trust them,' Taira says. 'Then the whole outside world started to scare me.' Upon a recommendation, Taira joined Samugaku on a one-year trial period. Now she lives in the dorms and takes classes with the 10 other current students. 'After trying it out, I met a lot of interesting people,' she says. 'People have their own opinions, and we had all sorts of fun conversations. I've been able to reflect on my past mistakes and, even though I'm not really properly studying yet, I want to study for my high school examinations and try doing a part-time job, too. I've started to have dreams for the future.' Samugaku, as a nonprofit school funded by donations and partnerships, struggles with funding and maintaining a large student-body. Coronavirus severely reduced the number of students down from 30, but the school hopes to return this previous size. And though Samugaku has produced plenty of success stories, hikikomori face a challenging road. 'Developing communication skills is particularly tough for students who have spent years avoiding social interactions,' says Chaa Chaa Ogino, chief fundraiser and PTA head at Samugaku and CEO of Quietude. 'Reintegrating students into local companies and society is (also) a gradual process that requires consistent support. 'If we can maintain a relationship through at least 20 sessions, we build enough trust to help them grow,' Ogino says. For a long time, despite the invitations, Taira didn't want to go to Samugaku. When she did, her way of thinking changed. 'There's always going to be some place for you in society,' Taira says. 'But you have to go out there and find it.'
CNA
3 days ago
- General
- CNA
Having always struggled to make friends at school or work, this is how I started seeking out real connections on my own
I had few friends while growing up. Throughout my schooling years, I felt like an outsider whenever my peers on campus talked animatedly about football or their favourite K-pop idols. I didn't particularly enjoy any of the same activities or interests, so I didn't really know how to have extended conversations with them. Watching my peers interact easily with each other, I always figured I was socially inept. 'Something must be wrong with me,' I thought. For years, loneliness was a constant shadow, looming over me. I did grow more comfortable spending time by myself over time. Eventually, I even found that it was much better to enjoy things alone rather than force myself to be with people whose company I didn't necessarily enjoy. However, I still craved close friendships – people I could have fun and share my innermost thoughts with. The anxiety started intensifying again when I left my teen years behind. Over and over again, I saw former schoolmates continue to keep in touch with each other, hanging out and travelling together and even celebrating their 'friendiversaries' on Instagram. In university, I tried harder to talk to my coursemates. Every time, our conversations usually revolved around homework, examinations or worries about job-hunting. Once the classes we took together ended, so did the motivation to see one another again. It felt like the friendships I had were born simply out of convenience and proximity. I was just going along with the flow, passively interacting in environments that I'd been placed in rather than making conscious decisions to take charge of my social life. THE TURNING POINT Here in Singapore, we spend so much of our waking lives at school or work. The Ministry of Manpower estimates that we spend an average of 43.3 hours working per week. As a student, I typically spent just as long in school or on homework or studying, if not more. It can be isolating when we struggle to find people on our wavelength in these structured social settings. Nearing graduation, it became clear to me that the relationships I had with most of my coursemates wouldn't survive once we diverged on our own separate paths. Most of them had already formed their own cliques; trying to insert myself in these groups felt unrealistic and a bit rude. It dawned on me then that instead of whining about being excluded or left out, perhaps I needed to stop waiting for others to ask me out. I needed to seek out my own social spaces and experiences – or I would simply be stuck at home alone, with no one to blame but myself. I started aggressively and actively looking for things that I liked to do. I spent a lot of time browsing social media and online forums, and found communities that shared my interests, from gothic fashion groups, Singaporean literature lovers to punk rock music fans. Many of these communities have Telegram channels where they post events that invite everyone to join in. I didn't know anyone in these groups, but I pushed myself to go alone and speak to new people I typically wouldn't encounter in school or in the workplace. I also downloaded a dating app that provided the option of making new platonic connections. SETTING THINGS IN MOTION FOR MYSELF The smoking corner of a party venue. In between music sets at a rock concert. Between bookshelves after a poetry recital. Once I started making an effort to place myself in all these different environments by choice, strangers began striking up conversations without me even trying. 'Your hair is really cool! Who is your hairstylist?' they'd say with a smile. I would compliment them back, ask how often they came to such events, and what their hobbies were. We'd laugh, vow to see each other again, and stay in contact through Instagram. Sometimes we would bump into each other at similar gatherings, or text each other to set up more intentional lunch or dinner dates. One of them even offered to help me with a themed photoshoot that I had been wanting to do for a while. After some time, I realised that I was far from socially awkward. I wasn't bad at making new friends – I just needed to try harder to find the right people, in the right environments. For me, this meant people who shared similar interests and could talk extensively about topics I was passionate about. I also discovered that I was much more comfortable conversing with people one-on-one rather than in big groups. Because what I value most is listening to their deepest emotions, thoughts and personal values. This was much more likely to happen in smaller, more intimate settings rather than in larger groups, which is the general format for socialisation that schools tend to promote through orientation camps, class sizes and co-curricular activities. PRIORITISE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS My social life is still not as vibrant as I would like it to be. I'm still in the process of building a network of friends I can consistently hang out with and confide in. Sometimes I'd strike up a good conversation with someone at an interest group meeting or activity, but the connection wouldn't last beyond that day. Nevertheless, I still find such fleeting connections more meaningful than many of the friendships I previously formed in school, simply because it was one that I actively sought out. I wasn't obliged or 'instructed' to get along with them, neither by higher authorities nor by circumstance – I was just genuinely interested in them as people. For now, I plan to continue attending a diverse range of events in my spare time, focusing on gaining new experiences and forming authentic connections in-person. I also aim to maintain more of these new friendships by showing more interest in their lives and checking in with them regularly, either to catch up over text or a meal. Once a stronger friendship is established, I also intend to ask them if they'd like to try other activities and experiences together – perhaps even outside of the interest or hobby we originally connected over. MAKE YOUR OWN EFFORT Granted, I'm only 24 years old, so perhaps it can be argued that it's somewhat 'easier' for me to make big changes with my social life. However, it's never too late to find your tribe. Even if you don't have good friendships cultivated from earlier years, or if your close connections have softened or soured, the average life expectancy in Singapore is 83.5 years – whether you're 10, 20 or 30 years older than me, you likely still have decades to seek out people you want to form strong bonds with. In a country of 6 million, there are plenty of people with unique stories to uncover and find inspiration from. If you're not sure where to start, community organisations such as Stranger Conversations and Friendzone offer safe spaces to form new connections through varied activities. If you find it too daunting or tiring to put in the effort to look for people you can vibe with, why not let someone else do it for you? Organisers like Timeleft match you with people they think you might enjoy talking to based on a personalised questionnaire, then arrange for such curated groups to meet up at the same place and time. And if one thing doesn't suit you, find something else and try again. After all, friendships, with all their ups and downs, are a journey – what matters most is to keep going. Eunice Sng is a journalist at CNA TODAY. If you have an experience to share or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] with your full name, address and phone number.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Overwhelmed by company? Five introvert-friendly ways to hang out
When I arrive at a gathering I tend to announce my departure in the same breath as my greeting. 'Hi! I brought some wine, where do you want it? Just letting you know I can only stay an hour because I start work really early on Sunday mornings.' Then I might throw in a little yawn and stretch. Restaurants aren't much different: my leg's likely to be jiggling before the order has been jotted down. The last mouthful of dessert sounds a last-drinks bell in my head. It's not that I don't love my friends. I've just got a window of tolerance for face-to-face activities, and then the agitation kicks in. I've been so fascinated by social reluctance that I wrote a book exploring it, The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House. In my 30s, I'd embarked on a five-year mission to become more outgoing, figuring out which situations I could be comfortable in, and setting myself exercises in social etiquette, empathy and positive reframing. These techniques became second nature by the time I hit my 40s, so I decided to share what I'd learned. It seems timely. When discussing the book with non-introverts, I realised that social overwhelm has massively broadened in recent years. Whether you blame lockdowns, news-cycle malaise or digital-era disconnect, we're less likely to commit to an outing. But I've learned it's possible to engineer low-key hangs that charge an introvert's social battery – or at least don't drain it as quickly. The three-second rule doesn't just apply to dropped food. As reported by the British Psychological Society, a 2016 study of nearly 500 participants found the vast majority felt most comfortable with eye contact that lasted just over three seconds. Business blogs from Throughline Group to Inc will tell you that's the optimal eye gaze time because you're showing engagement without becoming unnerving. That's why shoulder-to-shoulder activities are such a relief. These are activities we do alongside each other rather than face to face, such as going to a gallery, playing pool, a games night, joining your local chapter of the Silent Book Club or taking a simple walk – cheapest hangout ever. Men tend to naturally go shoulder to shoulder more than women; in fact, the Australian Men's Shed Association slogan is 'Men don't talk face to face, but shoulder to shoulder'. I prefer to know in advance how many people are coming. A newish friend once suggested we go on holiday overseas. I agreed, we made an itinerary, then she announced that another woman, who I didn't know, would be joining us. 'The more the merrier!' said the friend. Worst holiday ever. The maths is simple: the more bodies there are in a social pile-up, the more overwhelming it becomes. A single person is possible to read. A scenario with two people requires split concentration to accommodate them both. More than two people means second-guessing what everyone is thinking, so knowing what is most appropriate to say is absolutely impossible. It can help to know who's coming in order to take a moment beforehand to recall the last time you met each person and what was going on for them. Having a one to one side-conversation with someone about something that interests them is infinitely better than aimless group small talk. You could even make notes in your phone contacts whenever you've had an interesting chat. It's not stalking, it's anthropology – you're studying your community. What if you don't know the people? I like to gamify a situation I'm not looking forward to. In this scenario the game could be: figure out who in this group could potentially be your new BFF. Find common ground. Many introverts take the scraping of chair legs across a cafe floor extremely personally. We're sensitive to loud, unscheduled noises (at kids' parties, balloons were a nightmare for me), so venues with the acoustics of a concrete cube are best avoided lest we fritz our synapses. For anyone with sensory processing issues or simply of an irritable nature, a table of six people talking at once sounds like a beer hall during Oktoberfest. Worse, there's probably going to be cross-talk, where more than one conversation is competing for our brain's attention. In these social gatherings I often fall silent. People must think I have the consumptive constitution of a 19th-century muse. If it's just you and a friend, you could likely get away with suggesting a venue change because you're dying to hang on to their every word but can't hear them. If it's a larger group you could try wearable tech – the fancy term for earplugs. Brands such as Happy Ears, Earjobs or Loop earplugs reduce background noise while still allowing conversation to cut through. Every year I fly back to the UK for a week-long family holiday by the seaside, but despite wanting to see my family, I find being fully present during this intensive period a real struggle. After each trip my cousin Adam posts a big album of photos to Facebook. Without fail I'm only in about two photographs, because all week I've been 'just going back to the house', 'just off to get something' or giving them a head start to the beach hut and promising to catch up. Eventually. One year, I decided I would consciously opt to skip certain activities and fully participate in others. Of course, I chose to commit to shoulder-to-shoulder activities. For instance, I opted out of sitting and chatting in the beach hut, but committed to a board game in the evening. Think of the next lengthy get-together you've got coming up and consider what elements you'll sit out and what you'll commit to. Then make sure you're in the photos. Now you've committed to a hangout, give yourself time to self-regulate, since your mood has an effect on others. That means no sighing on arrival or being distant. Introverts can find it harder than most to communicate what's going on for us, but developmentally, managing our spillage is something we ought to be on top of by the time we leave school. If we're still killing everyone's buzz as adults, then it's something we've given ourselves permission to do, hoping people will just make allowances. If your modus operandi has always been Wallow Now, Apologise Later, a good way to behaviour-check yourself is to ask: am I likely to send an apologetic text to this person later? If the answer is yes, try to tackle your behaviour in the moment instead. You might acknowledge your mood and say you're going to reset. You could even half-jokingly ask the other person to help you out by giving you an update on their news while you're 'rebooting'. Better still, take a few minutes before a meet-up to focus on your positive relationship with the person and what might be going on in their life. Ultimately, the best way to get out of your own head is to consider another person's needs. Jenny Valentish is the author of The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House (Simon & Schuster, A$36.99)
Health Line
5 days ago
- General
- Health Line
Venlafaxine, Oral Tablet
Venlafaxine oral tablets are prescribed for depression and social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine is a generic antidepressant drug. Side effects can include nausea and decreased appetite. Highlights for venlafaxine Venlafaxine oral tablets come in immediate-release and extended-release form. They're only available as generic drugs. Both forms of venlafaxine tablets are used to treat depression. The extended-release tablets are also used to treat social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine also comes as an extended-release oral capsule, which is available as the brand-name drug Effexor XR. This article focuses on the tablets. Important warnings Boxed warning Venlafaxine has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the ' Venlafaxine warnings ' section. Other warnings Serotonin syndrome: Venlafaxine may cause a possibly life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include: hallucinations and delusions agitation coma fast heart rate changes in blood pressure dizziness loss of consciousness seizures shakiness muscle tremors or stiff muscles sweating nausea and vomiting High blood pressure: Venlafaxine may increase your blood pressure. Your doctor will likely make sure your blood pressure is normal before you start taking venlafaxine. They will check your blood pressure regularly during your treatment. Increased bleeding: This drug may increase your risk for bleeding or bruising if used with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or the blood thinner warfarin. Talk with your doctor if you're taking or planning to take any prescription or over-the-counter medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Venlafaxine uses Venlafaxine oral tablets are used to treat major depressive disorder, also called depression. The extended-release tablets are also used to treat social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications to treat your condition. Symptoms of depression can include: feeling sad loss of interest in things you used to enjoy difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual difficulty thinking or focusing Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety experienced during social interactions, which can cause a fast heart rate, sweating, and shakiness. Symptoms can also include a fear of being judged by others and avoidance of social situations. How venlafaxine works Venlafaxine belongs to a class of antidepressant drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs work by increasing the levels of chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Having more serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Venlafaxine side effects The following lists describe some of the more common side effects that venlafaxine may cause. These lists don't include all possible side effects. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking venlafaxine and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. More common side effects The more common side effects of venlafaxine can include: unusual dreams sexual problems, such as: decreased interest in sex erectile dysfunction (inability to get or keep an erection) trouble having an orgasm loss of appetite constipation nausea or vomiting dry mouth drowsiness trouble sleeping or changes in sleep habits yawning tremors or shaking dizziness blurry vision sweating feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery headache increased heart rate Note: Venlafaxine oral tablet may cause drowsiness. It may also affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. You should not drive, use heavy machinery, or do things that require you to be alert until you know how venlafaxine affects you. If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they're more severe or don't go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effects Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Mood changes, such as: new or worsened depression new or worsened anxiety agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability Serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include: agitation hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that isn't there) changes in your mental status coordination problems muscle twitching or overactive reflexes fast heart rate nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea muscle stiffness High blood pressure. This condition may not cause symptoms, but in severe cases symptoms can include: headache chest pain Mania. Symptoms can include: severe trouble sleeping racing thoughts reckless behavior excessive energy, happiness, or irritability talking more or faster than usual Eye problems. Symptoms can include: eye pain vision changes enlarged pupils swelling or redness in or around your eyes Low sodium levels. Symptoms can include: headache weakness confusion difficulty concentrating Bleeding, which can cause symptoms such as: bruising easily frequent nosebleeds frequent bleeding from your gums while brushing your teeth or flossing dark, tar-like stool bleeding from wounds that's hard to stop Lung disease or pneumonia. Symptoms can include: shortness of breath cough chest discomfort Suicidal thoughts or behaviors in young adults (venlafaxine has a boxed warning about this risk). Aggressive, violent, or impulsive behaviors. Seizures. Allergic reaction For some people, venlafaxine can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. What might help If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue venlafaxine treatment. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care. If your doctor confirms you've had a serious allergic reaction to venlafaxine, they may have you switch to a different treatment. Venlafaxine dosage Your doctor will recommend the dosage of venlafaxine that's right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take venlafaxine will depend on: your age the condition being treated which type of tablet you take other medical conditions you have how you react to the first dose Forms and strengths Venlafaxine is available in the following forms and strengths: immediate-release tablet (starts working soon after you swallow it): 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg extended-release tablet (works over time after you swallow it): 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg The tablets should be taken with food. The immediate-release tablets are taken two or three times per day, and the extended-release tablets are taken once per day. Dosage for depression Venlafaxine's recommended dosage for depression depends on which tablet you're taking, as described in the following table. Starting dosage for depression Dosage increases Venlafaxine immediate-release tablets 75 mg per day divided into two or three doses • if needed, your doctor may increase your dosage up to 150 mg per day • the maximum dosage is typically 225 mg per day • for severe depression, doctors may prescribe up to 375 mg per day Venlafaxine extended-release tablets • 75 mg per day (a single dose taken in the morning or evening) • in some cases, doctors may prescribe a lower starting dosage of 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days (a single dose taken in the morning or evening) • if needed, your doctor may increase your dose by up to 75 mg every 4 days • the maximum dosage is 225 mg per day Dosage for social anxiety disorder The dosage of venlafaxine extended-release tablets for social anxiety disorder is 75 mg per day, taken as one single dose in the morning or evening. Dosage considerations People with liver problems: People with mild to moderate liver problems should take about half of the typical venlafaxine dose. People with severe liver disease or cirrhosis may need an even lower dosage. People with kidney problems: People with mild to moderate kidney problems should take 50% to 75% of the typical venlafaxine dosage. People who are on dialysis should take half of the typical dosage. Your doctor will consider your medical history and prescribe the best venlafaxine dosage for you. What are some frequently asked questions about venlafaxine? Find answers to some commonly asked questions about venlafaxine. Does venlafaxine cause withdrawal? Yes, suddenly stopping venlafaxine without slowly decreasing your dose can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe. Withdrawal symptoms are effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. These symptoms, also referred to as discontinuation symptoms, can include: anxiety irritability restlessness tiredness, trouble sleeping, or nightmares headache sweating dizziness tingling or 'pins and needles' feeling shaking confusion nausea and vomiting diarrhea If you want to stop taking venlafaxine, talk with your doctor. They'll have you slowly decrease your dosage, to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to follow their dosing instructions. Is venlafaxine the same as Xanax? Venlafaxine and Xanax (alprazolam) are prescribed for some of the same conditions, but they belong to different drug classes and are used differently. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that's typically used long term, and Xanax is a benzodiazepine prescribed for short-term use. Xanax is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Venlafaxine may be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and social anxiety disorder, depending on which form you're prescribed. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about how these drugs compare. Venlafaxine may interact with other medications Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions. Before starting venlafaxine treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any herbs or vitamins and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with venlafaxine are listed in the following sections. Drugs that should not be taken with venlafaxine Your doctor will not prescribe the following drugs with venlafaxine due to a risk of dangerous side effects: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue: Unless directed by your doctor, do not start venlafaxine within 2 weeks of stopping an MAOI and do not take an MAOI within 7 days of stopping venlafaxine. Taking venlafaxine and an MAOI too close together in time may cause serious or life threatening side effects including high fever and sudden changes in your heart rate or blood pressure. Drugs for weight loss, such as phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira): Using venlafaxine with drugs such as phentermine may lead to excessive weight loss, serotonin syndrome, and heart problems. Other interactions Other medications that are known to interact with venlafaxine include: Cimetidine. Taking this drug with venlafaxine raises your risk of high blood pressure or liver disease. These risks are even greater if you're age 65 years or older. Haloperidol. Taking this drug with venlafaxine raises your risk of QT prolongation. This is a heart condition with symptoms such as dizziness and an irregular heart rhythm. Warfarin (Jantoven). Taking this drug with venlafaxine raises your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will monitor you closely, especially when starting or stopping your venlafaxine therapy. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any abnormal bleeding or bruising. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Anaprox DS, Naprelan, Naprosyn), and ketoprofen. Taking any of these drugs with venlafaxine raises your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will monitor you closely, especially when starting or stopping your venlafaxine therapy. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any abnormal bleeding or bruising. Drugs such as ritonavir, clarithromycin, or ketoconazole. Drugs such as ritonavir, clarithromycin, or ketoconazole can slow the breakdown of drugs in your body. If you take any of these drugs with venlafaxine, the amount of venlafaxine may build up in your body. This would increase your risk of side effects. Drugs that cause drowsiness, such as zolpidem, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Taking any of these drugs with venlafaxine may make the sleepiness from venlafaxine even worse. Other drugs that can increase serotonin levels, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), lithium, and tramadol (ConZip). Venlafaxine increases your levels of serotonin. Taking it with any of these drugs may increase your serotonin levels even more. If your serotonin levels are too high, a life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur. Your doctor will monitor you closely when starting or increasing your dosage of either drug. Migraine drugs called triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). Taking venlafaxine with any of these drugs may increase your risk of a life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Your doctor will monitor you closely when starting or increasing your dosage of either drug. Metoprolol (Toprol XL). Metoprolol may be less effective when you take it with venlafaxine. This may cause your blood pressure to rise. Talk with your doctor before taking these drugs together. Venlafaxine cost and savings Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you're considering venlafaxine. Venlafaxine's cost may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use. Here are a few things to consider regarding cost: Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks to get price estimates of what you'd pay for venlafaxine when using coupons from the site. See the coupon options below. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.) Drug assistance programs and other resources: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are: Medicine Assistance Tool NeedyMeds Venlafaxine warnings Venlafaxine oral tablet comes with several warnings. Boxed warning This drug has a boxed warning. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Antidepressants, including venlafaxine, may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children and young adults. This usually happens within the first few months of treatment or during dosage changes. Venlafaxine is not approved for use in children under 18 years old. Call your doctor right away if you notice any new or sudden changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, especially if they are severe. Venlafaxine and alcohol You should not drink alcohol with venlafaxine tablets. Drinking alcohol raises your risk of drowsiness from venlafaxine. This may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, and react quickly. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about this before starting venlafaxine treatment. Other warnings Venlafaxine can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether venlafaxine is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take venlafaxine. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you: liver, kidney, or heart problems hyperthyroidism (high thyroid levels) history of seizures glaucoma previous allergic reaction to venlafaxine or any of its ingredients Pregnancy and breastfeeding Your doctor might prescribe venlafaxine for use during pregnancy if the possible benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. There haven't been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect a pregnant person or a fetus. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug. Venlafaxine may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor about breastfeeding your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. How to take venlafaxine You should take venlafaxine tablets with food. And try to take your dose(s) at about the same time(s) each day. The immediate-release tablets are taken two or three times per day, and the extended-release tablets are taken once per day. Venlafaxine tablets are typically used for long-term treatment, foras long as you and your doctor consider the drug to be safe and effective for you. If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don't take it at all: Your depression or anxiety symptoms may get worse. Do not stop venlafaxine without talking with your doctor. Stopping venlafaxine too quickly can cause serious symptoms. If this happens, your doctor may have you start taking venlafaxine again and decrease your dosage slowly. See the 'What are some frequently asked questions about venlafaxine?' section for details. If you miss doses or don't take the drug on schedule: The medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of venlafaxine in your body. This can lead to death. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include: fast heart rate or heart rhythm changes unusual sleepiness enlarged pupils seizure vomiting low blood pressure muscle aches or pains dizziness If you think you've taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. If you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: The symptoms of your depression or anxiety should be less severe or happen less often. Important considerations for taking venlafaxine Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes venlafaxine oral tablet for you. General Take venlafaxine with food. You can cut or crush the immediate-release tablet, but do not cut or crush the extended-release tablet. Storage Store the immediate-release oral tablet at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Store the extended-release oral tablet at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Keep this drug away from light. Do not store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms. Travel When traveling with your medication: Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you. Do not put this medication in your car's glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. Are there any alternatives? There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teen Says Her Sister Skipped Her Graduation Due to a ‘Really Bad Headache' — but She Was Doing This ‘All Day' Instead
A Reddit user admitted that she's upset about her sister skipping her graduation and not congratulating her The teen claimed that the sibling is lying about the reason she bailed last-minute on the graduation ceremony 'My mom said I need to forgive her, and I know I need to, but right now I don't think I can,' the graduate wroteA recent high school graduate is still reeling from her sister pushing her buttons on graduation day and then abruptly skipping out on the ceremony. The teen detailed the drama on Reddit's 'Am I the A------' forum, where she claimed her sister lied about why she skipped the graduation. 'My sister has bad social anxiety and doesn't leave the house often,' she explained. 'She told me all week she was gonna go to my graduation, but then an hour before we were supposed to leave, she canceled.' 'She said she had a really bad headache, but all day she was fine; she was in her room yelling, talking to friends online,' she continued. 'Now I think if you have a headache THAT BAD, you wouldn't be 2 inches from your computer screen playing video games.' The graduate is not only bummed about the sister's absence. 'What makes it worse is she never said sorry, she never came up and said good job — nothing,' she recalled. 'Even at my party afterward, she came in, talked to everyone else but not me and left.' 'I would have maybe forgiven her if she came to me personally afterward and said congratulations, but she never did,' she added. 'My mom said I need to forgive her, and I know I need to, but right now I don't think I can.' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Wondering if she's overreacting, she asked Redditors, 'Am I the a------ for not forgiving my sister for skipping my graduation?' Most readers assured her that she's not in the wrong in this situation. 'Her not even giving you a pat on the back was the icing on the cake,' one person replied. 'You don't need to hold this against her for the rest of your life, and I don't think you will, but nobody should fault you for being upset.' Unlike the graduate's sister, several Redditors congratulated the teen. 'This was a big one for you. Congrats,' one wrote. 'Don't let this crappy behavior sour your moment. Focus on the people who celebrate you.' Read the original article on People
