Comparing Tramadol vs Venlafaxine

For Pain I was prescribed Tramadol by an emergency room doctor until I can get in to get my wisdom teeth removed. I'm supposed to take one pill every six hours, but only take one pill whenever I have absolutely unbearable pain, that doesn't go away within one hour. The pain relief is quick, within 20 minutes, takes from a 10 on the pain scale to about 5. Terrible nausea, shakes, lightheadedness, and sweats if I don't eat plenty before or right after taking this medication. Constipation also caused, clears up two or three days after ceasing.

For Pain Tramadol would MILDLY work for my back and knee pain for about a week and then stop. Oxycodone works best for me and hydrocodone is second. If it works for your pain, great but my experience is that it does nothing more than ibuprofen or other OTC pain relievers in the long run. The physical withdrawal from tramadol in my opinion is worse than hydrocodone or oxycodone due to the dual action it has on the brain.

For Depression Was on lexapro for 9 years for anxiety/panic disorder. Right after the holidays I was plagued by OCD intrusive thoughts and depression. I switched to venlafaxine ER in May, it was a direct switch. I did have some stomach upset the first couple of weeks. It helped me function. I still had some obsessive thoughts and anxiety and was definitely lowered but that may be bc I was primarily depressed. Missing a dose will cause horrible withdrawal. Now am switching to Zoloft and has not been easy. I am currently on day 4 of feeling hungover (dizzy, nauseous, brain zaps, stomach upset, sweats). I also wanted to be on something safer for pregnancy. I’d advise you to think long and hard before trying this med.. if you are desperate to feel better and know you will never miss a dose and can be on it for life or don’t mind the horrible withdrawal even when just switching to a different one. Regardless, I hope you find one that helps you. Stay strong. You are loved & worthy of it.

For Depression I just started taking it within the last few days, and I have been so nauseated since then. My head feels a little cloudy, too. I'm really hoping those side effects go away soon.