A
male
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Hi there,On my gf's recommendation I went to see a doctor about depression and anxiety as i have suffered for so many years and it became unbearable. I've tried a few things but now have been given Venlefaxine to use. I have been on it foe a couple of weeks now. However, I have looked at some forums and the responses are very scary. People say that it can cause permenant damage and change your personality permanently. They say it is nearly impossible to come off it as the withdrawal symptoms are unbearable and people end up having to take it forever. This is just some of the worrying things people mention- some even go as far to say that it ruined their lives. Does anyone have any expereience or advice with this? I appreciate any help.Many thanks for your time! Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, Tisha-1  +, writes (29 March 2010):
 My advice on this to take your concerns to the doctor. Do NOT stop taking it suddenly, as there might be side effects from an abrupt withdrawal. I think you are probably doing yourself a bit of a disservice by reading all the negative side effects, you may be giving yourself some of them.
I went on an antidepressant a few years ago and have now been off it for a while. I decided NOT to read all the potential side effects because I didn't want to be influenced by them. I also know that there are very unhappy people out there who have bad experiences and who will share them. You don't know if they have other issues that contributed to their poor experiences, things they are not revealing. The thing that matters is how it affects YOU and your body and mind. I think your concerns, while they may be valid, should be explored with the doctor.
You said your depression and anxiety were unbearable. Does this qualify as a 'ruined' life? Sometimes the depression does its damnedest to hang on to you, and it manages to sabotage efforts to achieve balanced mental health. There's a reason you've been depressed for years and it takes a little time for things to right themselves.
Personally, I would give it time to work, give those forums a wide berth for the time being, and make an appointment with the doctor to discuss these concerns.
I do wish you success in your journey to good mental health. Depression can be successfully treated with little to no side effects, I know from personal experience. And let me tell you, I am SO happy that I didn't listen to all the naysayers who didn't believe in trying medication. I might have made it here without it, but I rather think it would have taken a lot longer.
Now I manage to stay balanced with a combination of good nutrition, exercise, activity, and yoga. If you can get to this place by taking this medication, why wouldn't you try? Don't sabotage this process without proper medical advice and supervision, okay?
Take care and good luck.
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