Hi Pink,
Home now so I have a bit more time. I know you won't want to google it so I did it for you. Wikipedia (not always the most reliable, I know, but I've seen this in a research paper somewhere else) says this:
'Venlafaxine extended release is chemically the same as normal venlafaxine. The extended release (controlled release) version distributes the release of the drug into the gastrointestinal tract over a longer period than normal venlafaxine. This results in a lower peak plasma concentration. Studies have shown that the extended release formula has a lower incidence of patients suffering from nausea as a side effect, resulting in a lower number of patients stopping their treatment due to nausea'.
This is the way to go for your psychiatrist visit next week. As I've said before though, I didn't notice any difference in the way it reduced my anxiety it's just more convenient and also makes it easier to sleep if you take it in the morning like I do.
I'm still feeling ok but just had an anxiety attack when leaving work for the most pointless reason. It seems to pop up now and again and remind me it's still there. I've now got a horrendously knotted stomach and have resorted to going outside for a cig which I'm sure doesn't help but makes me feel better. I wouldn't care but I stopped before my new year anxiety nightmare kicked in and now I'm at it again. Bloody nuisance.
Going to read for a bit to try and distract myself.
Take care
Pip x
---------- Post added at 18:21 ---------- Previous post was at 18:03 ----------
Well, something you won't see me writing very often but I've worked myself up into a right old state - I'm now shaking and my heart seems to think I've just run a marathon. It's doing a good job of reminding me what some of you are still dealing with on a daily basis. I'm going for a lie down and am going to pop a couple of beta blockers (on doctor's orders) if I don't calm down soon. I've also got a thumping headache coming on and pains in my legs. I just hate this sometimes.
I'm sure I'll be feeling better later and will try and write a more optimistic post xx