My psychiatrist decided that I should get off it. So I did. It was horrible I was in so much pain I don't even remember it well.
It was too quick for me.. almost cold turkey.
Then I started to have stomach problems and chronic pain. My anxiety got so bad I still have problems leaving my home. About a year ago, I went back on venlafaxine, now I am taking 225mg, and my stomach is getting worse. Is it possible that going cold turkey ruined my health? Should I try to get off it again? I am hopeless..please share your thoughts
Is it possibile that venlafaxine ruined my health?
Question posted by konstezu440 on 24 Oct 2023
Last updated on 24 October 2023
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Answers
jammark
24 Oct 2023
The good news is that, no, I don't think going 'cold turkey' 'ruined your health'. I find that EXTREMELY unlikely considering this drug class. However, it is still never recommended to quit SNRIs cold turkey for the very reason that the effects of withdrawal can be horrible. I was on venlafaxine and my doctor weaned me off of it gradually. Please never quit any anti-anxiety, antidepressant, benzodiazepine, or opioid drug cold turkey.
As far as getting off it again, my recommendation would be a big yes. You are clearly stressed and anxious about this drug. Were I your doctor I would have started you on a different SNRI or similar drug. Have you tried any of the many other SSRIs/SNRIs or buspirone? I see no sense in staying on a drug that is clearly not working for its intended purpose, and causing side effects to boot. The damage clearly outweighs the benefit based upon what you shared.
For me, I could not tolerate ANY of the SSRIs, SNRIs or buspirone, so I am ONLY taking clonazepam, 1 mg, 3x daily for my anxiety and panic disorders. Never again will I use these drugs... antidepressants, too. Unless something new and amazing comes out, I won't take anything except a benzodiazepine for my mental health.
konstezu440
24 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for answer. My doctor didnt warn me about how hard it is to quit Venlafaxine and actually I haven't try many SSRI/SNRIs (fluoxetine, duloxetine, sertraline , buspirone and lamotrigine). It was top choice from my doctor do I go to a different doctor now.
The only thing Venlafaxine helps me with is weight loss and its the only thing that's keeping me from quiting the drug.
I also have ADHD and tried medication for it but it made me feel horrible. Now I am on 225mg Venlafaxine 30mg buspirone and 60mg Propranolol and I think its not working how it should but I have terrible anxiety about changing drugs.
Related topics
effexor, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, insomnia, pain, social anxiety disorder, constipation - chronic, hot flashes, venlafaxine, anxiety and stress, stomach pain, cold turkey, psychiatry, health
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