Effexor?

Calico,

Effexor really helped me get thru last year.  I had a single mast in Nov 07 with "immediate" reconstruction w/expander.  By January 08 my path reports, onco visits, etc. all had good news.  But instead of feeling better, I lost it.  Was crying for no reason, etc.  Saw my regular doc who said it was something similar to post partum syndrome or post-tramatic stress syndrome.  He said it didn't really matter what it was, but I was suffering.  Started the Effexor...slow at lower dose, then increased to 75mg.  He suggested I go up one more but by then I was feeling okay.  Not unusally happy, just kinda normal.  Don't know what I would have done without it.  Last September I decided I wanted to stop it and slowly, again, tried.  And couldn't.  So stayed on it till January.  I've been off it for about 6 weeks and am doing pretty good.  My doc told me that he saw no reason I couldn't stay on Effexor, but I  had problems with constipation that I really wanted to go away.  But that was the only side affect I had. It was kinda hard to go off it; but it was worth it in the long run.  Phyllis

I've been on Effexor (75 mg) for 2 years now to help with the hot flashes from chemopause.  I thought I was ready to come off of it so my doctor reduced my dose and I didn't even make it a week.  The hot flashes started immediately and were rough!  The only negative that I've had with it is that if you miss a dose you are OK, miss 2 doses and you better watch out. You have to take it at the same time every day!  I was also on a sleep aid and weaned myself off of that last fall.  While I was going through tx I'd go days without sleeping.

Woops... I forgot that, Leaf.  I was on the Effexor XR.  Phyllis

I started on Effexor XR about 2 weeks ago, was given 1/2 a 37.5,gm pill, and told to take that for a week and then start to take a whole one.  I have tried the whole one twice, both times I was naseous and very nervous and couldn't sleep.  Are these normal side affects of the pill?  Will it get better if I keep taking them, or should I change pills?  Can I take a sleeping pill to help?   I'm taking Effexor both for hot flushes and depression.

 Shelley

I tried Effexor. Went ramping up on the dose as my MD advised. Didn't feel squat. No improvement whatsoever. Gave it 12 weeks at full dosing. Went off it cold turkey rather than the slow weaning that is recommended and didn't have any problems doing so. It just didn't affect me one way or t'other.

I think I've got a serotonin-resistant brain.

Lisa

I take my Effexor in the AM, so I'm ready for Xanax and/or Ambien by bedtime.

Susan

I have been taking 75 mg. of the generic Effexor (the one that is not extended release) since shortly after my BC diagnosis last September.   This drug helps tremendously with the hot flashes and the anxiety/depression I had after diagnosis.  Once my body adjusted to it, there were no noticeable side effects.  Sleep has also been a problem for me, and Lunesta or Ambien are pretty helpful.  Good luck with the Effexor if you do give it a try.  ~Bonnie 

I was originally on Lexapro about 4 years ago for non-Cancer, garden variety anxiety. I found it was making me CRAVE alcohol. Now I love a good glass of wine, but this was really scaring me so I weaned myself off of it. The day after my 2nd mammo and ultrasound I called my internest and asked for something else. I was on 75mg. of Effexor for about 9 months. It really helped during the biopsy and treatment. I also have high blood pressure and it didn['t seem to affect it at all. I think the Femara I'm taking probably does ( and it is a SE ) but not enough to concern my phyisician. I tried to get off the Effexor and felt like absolute crap: brain zaps, hot flashes, irrational irritability. So I got back on it. Pronto. I'm on an even smaller dose, but may up it after my colposcopy on Wednesday! So, if it helps without too many side effects I'd stay on it. It does seem to help those lovely chemopause symptoms. Good Luck!

Kathy

I'm having a horrible time with sleep, can I take a sleeping pill to help?  Is it better to take the Effexor at night or in the morning?  I tried to switch to 75mil but was having nausea, does it eventually go away?

I took Effexor XR in the morning.  It never made me feel loopy or sleepy.  Occasionally took zolpidem (generic Ambien...sorta) to help me sleep.  Linda... give yourself some time.  My constipation slowly improved after I went off the Effexor, but it took over a month.  Hot flashes are back but only occasionally (never had them before my mast and I was post meno)  Snowy... I find your info quite helpful...I believe that the more info you have the better off.  Don't worry about about anyone getting sick of it. If they don't want to read it they can skip it.  Thanks.  Phyllis

I have been taking 37.5mg of effexor for about 6 months now to combat the side effects of menopause. It helped with that almost immediately although I did feel very dizzy and nauseous for the first three days or so, that passed pretty quickly. My hot flashes have decreased in intensity and the constant drenching sweats are greatly decreased too. I don't know if you can become immune to the effects after a while but lately I have been sweating again although not as bad as before, maybe I need to up the dosage. I am seeing my oncologist after Easter. I am pleased to report no other s/e from the med.

Best wishes,

Tina

Skye...

See my post under Study Ovarian Supression

thx a lot for your help. I could not take the Effexor the last days. I was so scared of the SE.

Today, I am really so down, cause I do not sleep. I took a half pill with breakfast. Now I am sitting here, waiting for the SE. Seems I am a real sissy.

I can not understand, why "they" cannot find anything against the hotflushes and sweating.The chills and the hotflushes are so mean...now every our. I am feeling like I am punished for anything.

rayhope:

I know, I do not need an antideppressant. Ok, sometimes I feel a little sad, or I am in a mood to cry. I think it is normal if you go to menopause. But when I can go running, I feel so good.

Just hate the flushes and the sleeplessness. It is like a circle. Hard to break out.