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Venlafaxine has caused huge weight gain (amongst other problems)

Posted , 4 users are following.

kaia62500
kaia62500

I started taking venlafaxine in early April this year, because I had been on Fluoxetine for a few years and everyone, including my doctors, told me that ven was really similar but better. I gave it a go because my boyfriend was concerned that I wasn't making progress very quickly.

Within 3 days of beginning the new medication I was back to having suicidal thoughts and self harming, something I had not experienced for several years prior. It continued to make me more and more tired and depressed until finally I was hospitalised with severe constipation. It was the worst pain of my life and no one warned me that this might happen. I don't even remember it being listed under side effects.

after this it became obvious I couldn't take venlafaxine any longer and things have been much better since switching back to fluoxetine. However I am still recovering from the experience and recently realised that I have gained A LOT of weight (around 2 stone) since starting the ven. 

Because of my other health problems it is causing me a lot of discomfort, and losing weight is not easy for me.

Does anyone have any advice? I'm just so distraught that this drug has messed up my life so badly.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • elaine92718
    elaine92718 kaia62500

    Posted

    Iv gained 4 stone over 14 years. Started Withdrawel this week. Hoping it comes off in time. Best of luck x
    • kate43208
      kate43208 elaine92718

      Posted

      Elaine, if you are struggling with withdrawal you may be naturally low in seratonin. Google natural ways to promote seratonin production. I have been taking several vitamins and supplements which minimised the withdrawal symptoms for me.

      Good luck!

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