venlafaxine

[Disey]

hi, I have hypothyroidism and I’m pretty much settled in that score but I just wondered if anyone on here is on or has been on venlafaxine and it caused an early menopause/periods stopped completely

[Rapunzel]

Hi Disey. I took Venlafaxine, when my GP told me to pull myself together and I went private before I was diagnosed hypothyroid. Much as it was a golden day to return to him for a repeat script, the tool, about 6 months later this particular med was proscribed unless prescribed by a consultant (mine was). As it happens I was going through menopause when this episode occurred. So far as I was aware, Effexor (brand name) didn't impact menopause. I had no trouble tapering and coming off, but have subsequently heard that if you've been on it a while, it's difficult to taper.

Always difficult to weigh these things up, but once I was used to it, Effexor worked well for me. I hope that helps.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

5 months ago your results showed you were under replaced. Also there was no FT3 result to be able to assess properly if you are converting well.

Serum TSH level 4.56 mIU/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit

Serum free T4 level 16.3 pmol/L [12.0 - 22.0]

Did you get a dose increase following these results?

Have you now tested a full thyroid panel - TSH, FT4 & FT3?

Have you tested key vitamin levels and what are you supplementing with?

Being under replaced can slow or stop periods.

[Sparklingsunshine]

I took Ven for migraine prevention for about 11 months. It was the only med I could tolerate. Didnt help though so I came off it very gradually. I did find it made me very nauseous though. I have heard it can be a tough drug to come off, so just be careful. Are you taking it for depression?