Harm Reduction Can I take Venlafaxine if ...?

[supersonic89]

Folks.

I think some of you know that I'm addicted to tramadol (1000-2000 mg every day). Anyway, since December 13 I did not take anything. Just stop cold turkey.

Honestly, I haven't felt many withdrawal symptoms, except the damn depression and zero motivation that comes after quitting this drug (Am I screwed up my neurotransmitters that much?). And since they are both structurally similar, I was thinking of getting a prescription for Venlafaxine. I know another ex-Tramadol addict and he told me it works kinda well. I have used Venlafaxine during 2011-2013 and it worked perfect (best than Sertraline, Fluoxetine or Escitalopram), plus I quit it almost cold turkey and never felt those famous nasty Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms.

But, my main question is: Is it safe to take Venlafaxine / Effexor after 1 week clean of Tramadol or should I wait longer? I know that Tramadol / ODSMT has a fairly long half-life. I don't want to suffer from a serotonin syndrome or worse but this depression is killing me.

 

[Flynnal]

I'd wait at least another week just to be safe and seek advice from a pharmacist as they would be knowledgeable on this topic, but combining both of those drugs can cause serotonin syndrome. I have some experience with Tramadol, and it's not a particularly euphoric drug.

 

[supersonic89]

I'd wait at least another week just to be safe and seek advice from a pharmacist as they would be knowledgeable on this topic, but combining both of those drugs can cause serotonin syndrome. I have some experience with Tramadol, and it's not a particularly euphoric drug.

Thanks for your advice pal.

Although I do not agree with your final words hahaha. I found the tramadol tremendously euphoric. At least from weak opioids tramadol blows codeine ass. And what I liked the most is that first it gave you energy and happiness (serotonin) and about two hours later, you fell on the couch to end up nodding (o-desmethyltramadol I guess).

 

[supersonic89]

It's almost 1 month without tramadol, I think it would be fine to take an antidepressant now, right?

 

[GetMeOutOfThisCRAP]

Are you sure you want to do this though? I mean the depression from opiates is to be expected once someone stops. You could be medicating yourself for something that you'd be through the woods with in a week or two.

Anti-depressants do help with the depression from opiate withdrawal. I just think that that kind of grief though is natural.

 

[supersonic89]

Are you sure you want to do this though? I mean the depression from opiates is to be expected once someone stops. You could be medicating yourself for something that you'd be through the woods with in a week or two.

Anti-depressants do help with the depression from opiate withdrawal. I just think that that kind of grief though is natural.

I understand your thinking but this depression is what makes me want to relapse. (exercise helps but I can't working out 24 hours haha) Although you're right, perhaps it's better to consult a doctor about it.

 

[Vagabond696]

My advice is don't use Tramadol while on Venlafaxine. I accidentally gave myself a mild case of serotonin syndrome when I tried trama last month. Luckily, due to my career choice, I was able to put a quick stop to the symptoms, but it was not very nice.